NEXUS-IBA: 45 Years of Pioneering Global Broadcasting, Media and Technology (1979-2024)

NEXUS-IBA: 45 Years of Pioneering Global Broadcasting, Media and Technology (1979-2024)

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NEXUS-IBA: 45 Years of Global Broadcasting Innovation and Bridging Digital Divides

Read about NEXUS-IBA’s journey from a local station to a critical global broadcasting player, highlighting its enduring commitment to free speech, technological innovation, and connecting communities worldwide.

NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association, originating as Globe Radio Milan in 1979, has journeyed from a modest FM station in Italy to a beacon of International Broadcasting. This transformation, marked significantly by the launch of IRRS-Shortwave in 1988, catapulted NEXUS-IBA into the global arena. The 1990s witnessed the association breaking new ground with pioneering digital broadcasting and streaming services. NEXUS-IBA’s commitment to global communication was further solidified through its association with the United Nations and UNESCO, starting in 1995, which underscored its role in disseminating vital information worldwide.

The heart of NEXUS-IBA’s mission lies in the digital divide, utilizing medium-wave and shortwave broadcasting to connect remote regions in Africa, Asia, and Europe. These endeavours are particularly impactful in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Palestine & Israel, and the former Yugoslavia, Iran, Iraq and South Sudan, where NEXUS-IBA’s broadcasts have provided a lifeline of information and diverse perspectives. Furthermore, the association’s initiatives, like European Gospel Radio and International Public Access Radio (IPAR), have created platforms for a multitude of voices and messages to resonate with these efforts; NEXUS-IBA has not only championed free speech and technological innovation but also played a crucial role in connecting communities and fostering cultural preservation around the world.

IRRS Globe Radio Milan logo (1979-1998)

The Journey Begins: Globe Radio Milan to NEXUS-IBA

In 1979, Globe Radio Milan began broadcasting in Milan, Italy, marking the inception of the NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA). This transformation symbolized a pivotal change in European radio broadcasting, embracing the concept of free radio. By 1988, the addition of IRRS-Shortwave notably expanded NEXUS-IBA’s reach, elevating it to a prominent position in international radio broadcasting.

Pioneering Digital Broadcasting and Streaming

In the 1990s, NEXUS-IBA broke new ground in digital broadcasting and internet technologies. By 1994, they had launched one of the first global internet cloud services, leading Europe in streaming audio and video services. This technological leap set new standards in media technology, marking a significant achievement in the history of digital broadcasting.

Upholding Free Speech and Expanding Global Access

NEXUS-IBA has steadfastly advocated free speech and diverse programming, primarily via the IPAR (International Public Access Radio) initiative. NEXUS-IBA’s non-interference policy in global content distribution resulted in various programs offering a global array of perspectives. Our expansion into Shortwave, AM/Medium Wave, satellite services, and internet streaming was crucial in democratizing information access worldwide, particularly in remote areas of Africa and Asia.

UNESCO radio on NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association

UNESCO

Significant Collaborations with the United Nations and UNESCO

In 1995, NEXUS-IBA was officially approved for association with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN/DPI). This approval highlights NEXUS-IBA’s role in globally disseminating information about the activities of the United Nations and UNESCO, underlining its commitment to international cooperation and information dissemination.

Bridging the Digital Divide with Medium Wave and Shortwave Broadcasting

Medium-wave and shortwave broadcasting by Nexus-IBA has been pivotal in bridging the digital divide and reaching audiences in Europe, Africa, and Asia. These broadcasting methods ensure connectivity in regions with limited or no internet access and provide diverse content, including news, talk shows, and cultural programs. This resilience is crucial in maintaining an inclusive medium in the face of digital inequality.

AM/MW and Shortwave radio receivers

Shortwave Broadcasting: Connecting Remote and Isolated Regions

Shortwave radio broadcasting is essential for global communication, particularly in remote and isolated areas. Its long-range capabilities transcend geographical, political, and social barriers, connecting communities worldwide. Shortwave radio is a critical source of information in regions like Africa and the Asia-Pacific, affirming its vital role in global connectivity.

Empowering Communities Through Radio Broadcasting

Radio broadcasting is vital in empowering communities, especially in remote areas. It is a critical platform for sharing information, providing education, enabling participation in societal discussions, and fostering community development. In regions with limited access to other media forms, radio becomes the primary source of information, playing a pivotal role in education and community empowerment.

John Bayliss preaching in northern Thailand/Border of Myanmar (Burma)

Radio as a Custodian of Cultural Diversity

Radio broadcasting is crucial in preserving local cultures and languages against the backdrop of globalization. Broadcasting in indigenous languages helps maintain cultural identities and educates listeners about their heritage. This role is vital in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, where radio is a guardian of cultural diversity.

Russian bombing at Kramatorsk radio station in Ukraine, 2022

Bombing destruction at Kramatorsk radio station in Ukraine (2022)

The Role of Broadcasting in War-Torn Regions

NEXUS-IBA has played a significant role in broadcasting to war-torn regions, using medium-wave and shortwave transmissions to reach areas like Ukraine, Palestine & Israel, Iran-Iraq, South Sudan, and the former Yugoslavia. In these conflict zones, where information is crucial yet often scarce or controlled, NEXUS-IBA’s broadcasts have provided a lifeline by disseminating news and information, supporting humanitarian efforts, and offering a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. This contribution underscores the importance of unbiased, reliable broadcasting in areas affected by conflict and crisis.

European Gospel Radio QSL card

European Gospel Radio: Non-Denominational Outreach

European Gospel Radio (EGR), a service offered by NEXUS-IBA, provides a non-denominational platform for religious organizations to broadcast internationally. EGR aims to facilitate the spread of religious and spiritual messages to a global audience, aligning with NEXUS-IBA’s commitment to free speech and diversity. This service allows a broad spectrum of religious content to be shared across continents.

IPAR support freedom of speech radio

International Public Access Radio (IPAR)

International Public Access Radio (IPAR) is a crucial initiative by NEXUS-IBA design that provides international broadcasting access to organizations and individuals. IPAR’s mission is to bridge the communication gap by offering an accessible platform for a wide range of voices and messages to be heard globally. This service ensures that diverse perspectives are shared and heard internationally.

NEXUS-IBA’s Involvement in the DEMOS EU Project

NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA) played a pivotal role in the DEMOS project, an initiative under the European Union’s 5th Framework Programme. DEMOS, standing for “Delphi Mediation Online System,” was part of the Information Society Technologies, Key Action I.4.2, focusing on ‘Online Support to Democratic Processes.’ This project aimed to enhance democratic engagement and participatory processes through innovative digital solutions.

NEXUS-IBA’s involvement in the DEMOS project underlined its commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit, particularly in e-democracy. The project aimed to develop digital platforms and tools facilitating effective and inclusive communication between citizens and public administrations. This was a significant step towards modernizing democratic processes and making them more accessible and transparent for the European public.

The DEMOS project represented an innovative approach to e-governance, where digital platforms were utilized to create open forums for discussion, decision-making, and mediation. NEXUS-IBA’s contribution to this project showcased its expertise in digital communication and its broader commitment to supporting democratic processes through technological advancement.

Broadcast Technology Research Development and Innovation

The Role of NEXUS-IBA’s R&D Lab in Developing WorldDirector CDN

In 1994, NEXUS-IBA’s internal R&D lab developed the first-ever global Content Delivery Network (CDN), named WorldDirector. This groundbreaking technology, built on globally distributed Internet cloud services, marked NEXUS-IBA as Europe’s first to offer streaming audio and video services using its CDN technology.

Fast-forward to 2024, and WorldDirector still represents a significant advancement in media technology, enabling the efficient distribution and delivery of multimedia content with high speed, quality, resilience, and reliability. The creation of WorldDirector underscored NEXUS-IBA’s commitment to innovation and its pioneering role in the digital transformation of global broadcasting and media services.​

This article highlights NEXUS-IBA’s 45-year journey, showcasing its significant contributions to global broadcasting, technological advancements, and its vital role in connecting and empowering communities worldwide, particularly in regions affected by conflict and digital divides. Over the past 45 years, the NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA) has significantly impacted global broadcasting. Starting as a small local FM station, it has become a pioneering force in radio broadcasting and digital technology. Through its commitment to free speech, diverse programming, and collaborations with international bodies like the United Nations and UNESCO, NEXUS-IBA has played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, reaching remote communities, and providing unbiased information in conflict zones. Services like European Gospel Radio and International Public Access Radio demonstrate NEXUS-IBA’s dedication to connecting diverse voices with a global audience. As NEXUS-IBA continues to innovate and adapt, its legacy as a worldwide communication and cultural preservation facilitator remains more relevant than ever.

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Gospel4Grampian Radio celebrates 17 years online

Gospel4Grampian Radio celebrates 17 years online

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17 Years of Spreading The Good News: The Journey of Gospel4Grampian Radio

For the past 17 years, Gospel4Grampian Radio has served as a beacon of hope, consistently transmitting The Good News of Salvation provided by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to audiences across the globe. Broadcasting from the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland, the station remains committed to making the Gospel accessible to every language group worldwide.

Gospel4Grampian Radio’s Vision: Sharing the Good News with All

Gospel4Grampian Radio’s vision is far-reaching, extending beyond just broadcasting. The radio station envisions a future where people around the globe will not just listen to the Gospel but also see and experience the Good News for themselves. Gospel4Grampian Radio is steadfastly committed to making the Gospel a tangible reality, bringing the love of Christ to every corner of the world.

Partnership with NEXUS-IBA: Expanding the Broadcast Scope

In April 2021, Gospel4Grampian Radio expanded its broadcasting capabilities by adding Shortwave and Medium Wave broadcasts through NEXUS-IBA and European Gospel Radio. This significant step forward enabled the station to reach a broader audience, particularly those not online. Terrestrial radio, often overlooked, has proven to be a critical tool for reaching a large audience and providing them with a vital touchpoint for spiritual growth.

Weekly Broadcasts on European Gospel Radio

Gospel4Grampian Radio’s 60-minute program airs weekly each Monday on European Gospel Radio. Listeners in Europe can tune in on 7290 kHz Shortwave, 1323 kHz Medium Wave, or via streaming worldwide at 20 and 22 CET. This strategic scheduling allows a broader range of listeners to connect with Gospel4Grampian Radio, helping the station fulfil its vision of spreading the Gospel to all language groups worldwide.

“Your Gospel”: Spreading the Gospel in Multiple Languages

Gospel4Grampian Radio believes that the Gospel is for everyone. This conviction led to the development and expansion of “Your Gospel”, a part of their programming that shares the essence of the Gospel in various languages. With the help of Nexus IBA, Gospel4Grampian Radio has extended its broadcast range and recently added The Gospel in 20 more languages, making significant strides towards realizing its vision.

The Gospel4You Program: Personal Connections to the Word of God

Gospel4You is a unique program on Gospel4Grampian Radio. It includes testimonies of God’s workings in people’s lives, a Gospel message, and prayer. Gospel4You brings the Gospel to life, creating a platform for listeners to connect with the Word of God personally.

Empowering Through “Woac on Air”

As part of its commitment to community empowerment, Gospel4Grampian Radio airs a special segment called “Woac on Air” once a month. This program, led by a group of South African women, reaches out to women and youth worldwide, particularly in Africa, the US, Australia, and through Nexus, Europe. “Woac on Air” offers an inspiring blend of biblical and Christian business principles.

The Power and Reach of Terrestrial Radio

Gospel4Grampian Radio’s Medium Wave broadcasts illustrate the power and reach of terrestrial radio. Under the right atmospheric conditions, fragments of these broadcasts can be picked up on car radios, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of their work. Gospel4Grampian Radio continues to explore opportunities to extend its reach further and broadcast the Good News far and wide.

As Gospel4Grampian Radio celebrates its 17th year, the station’s commitment to spreading the Good News of Salvation remains unwavering. Serving its listeners by making the Gospel accessible to every language group is their privilege. The future promises more exciting milestones as they continue their divine mission.

NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures Ltd. partnership

NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures Ltd. partnership

NEXUS-IBA selects Milano Ventures as partner

NEXUS-IBA selects Milano Ventures Ltd as Global Media service partner

Global Media partnership in International Broadcasting and Content Delivery

Milano Ventures merges the competencies and shares the values of NEXUS-IBA in offering strategic consultancy and opportunities to International Broadcasters, either secular or Christian, to reach any country in the world via (World) International Shortwave Radio, International AM radio (Medium Wave), IP Streaming and Satellite.

NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures use the most advanced public & private cloud technologies, including CDN for fast & reliable streaming and broadcasting & media services for international organisations.

Get on the air on shortwave, satellite or streaming

Be like the BBC (*), VOA, CNN, Radio France Internationale, The Deutsche Welle  (*), Al Jazeera or your favourite international broadcaster and cover the world with a single broadcast, at less than the cost of one market on FM or terrestrial TV at home.

(*) The BBC World Service and Deutsche Welle are among the many international broadcasters hosted in Milan, Italy. As a NEXUS-IBA member, they broadcasted live headline news and information to Milan’s English-speaking community.

Africa and Asia satellite coverage

Africa and Asia satellite coverage

With our global media partnership, NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures help you reach any world corner with powerful international broadcasting services. We use some of the most powerful stations in the world, with more than 40 Million Watts (up to 43 MW ERP) on Shortwave radio, AM/Medium Wave (in Europe) or via satellite radio & TV and Internet streaming.

How to Replace Satellite Radio Networks with IP

You can now save money using IP streaming to convey your audio or video stream from your production studio to our stations. You can save money, broadcast live and use your live stream connected to our CDN to make your content available to listeners in the Americas, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Africa.

NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures use WorldDirector CDN technology to transport digital audio or video signals and deliver content to millions of users worldwide.

Secular and Christian media

Milano Ventures and NEXUS-IBA do not discriminate against race, sex, language, or political or religious beliefs. We promote pluralism of information, human rights, free speech, political and religious pluralism, diversity, with particular attention to minorities, and above all ethnic, cultural, political, and religious minorities. We promote first hand information, apply no censorship to content providers, and make all efforts using the best available technologies to overcome those who blocks access to free flow of information on radio and TV using jamming or slowing down or denying cross-border Internet traffic.

Secular and religious broadcasting

On IPAR (International Public Access Radio), we promote news and feature programs in English and other languages that deal with sensitive issues such as freedom of speech. We can also target regions where freedom of speech is at stake, where governments block the Internet and censor communication and media.

Over EGR (European Gospel Radio), we promote Christian and religious programs aimed at worldwide evangelism, hosting any preacher, Minister, Church, missionary, confessional, non-denominational religious organisation or anyone who has something to say or preach to the world.

Over our mainstream streaming channels or via the client’s dedicated streaming audio (radio) and streaming video (TV) channels, we offer a 24/7 presence accessible anywhere. We use our WorldDirector CDN cloud-based services, not necessarily controlled by any significant cloud providers or Governments, running on an independent Content Delivery Network (CDN) with Point of Access servers spread across the world. Working with an independent hybrid cloud vendor like Milano Ventures allows greater independence over corporations controlling Internet access and public clouds.

Our offer is a unique opportunity for any broadcaster or program producer to reach any country without barriers, using Shortwave radio, Satellite, TV, AM or Medium Wave radio and Internet streaming in any possible combination.

The power of International media: Know your audience

International broadcasting is like advertising: everybody agrees it works, but it isn’t easy to quantify. The world’s largest broadcasting organisations have been deeply involved in audience research, costing vast money.

Even the largest International broadcasters cannot accurately estimate the size of their audience for any program they air with the same or even a comparable level of accuracy as an FM or TV station can do for any particular market.

How many listeners do we reach daily?

Since 1979, NEXUS-IBA founders have been working with worldwide Radio & TV Ministries, the BBC, the United Nations, UNESCO, other prominent International broadcasters and media, and those involved in Audience and International Media Research.

NEXUS-IBA International media content delivery around the world

Global media content delivery via NEXUS-IBA

Only the most prominent organisations like the BBC or the Voice of America can afford the cost of conducting some audience research on Shortwave. However, some empirical data exists on the number of Shortwave receivers in each country, which lead to a potential audience of more than ten million in Europe and about the same in North Africa and the Middle East. We can cover these regions with a Grade-A signal using a 50 to 150 kW service on Shortwave. Other areas in Asia/Pacific or the Americas can be best covered using up to 300 kW. Most of the time, we know that people listen because we monitor our signal quality continuously in several countries and because listeners write to our members, our program producers and us.

International Radio Audience Research

Graham Mytton, former Head of Audience Research of the BBC, stated:

People will go through the trouble of listening to shortwave, even when reception is difficult, if it provides something that they otherwise cannot get.

According to our experience, if your program has an impact and is not available on local TV or FM & AM radio, people will tune into your schedule to listen to it. Someone calls it word-of-mouth propagation, and for this reason and our long-standing experience, we are well known among Shortwave listeners worldwide for our high-quality radio relay services at nonprofit cost.

Radio Marketing: How to promote your radio program

Most of our World Radio broadcasters and program producers do fantastic work advertising their broadcasts among their churches or community members overseas. Once they know that we provide an excellent signal in the target area, they tune and may call other people to listen, in a snowballing effect.

You have to consider doing this when you start airing, i.e., using your existing contacts and email or messaging them to spread the news about your broadcasts’ time, frequency, and area.

We can provide help to people tuning in, and we can offer you advise and marketing tools, but we cannot often go as far as keeping you connected with the audience of your program. So you should consider this as part of your mission as an International Broadcaster!

Global Media Outreach: How can you reach the whole world

For all the satellite radio and TV talk, Shortwave radio remains the most cost-effective electronic mass medium that can instantly span enormous distances and penetrate every home in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. Also, Shortwave radio is portable and is a companion wherever one goes. It is indeed the world’s most mobile electronic mass medium. Modern Shortwave receivers are ultra-compact, inexpensive, and very easy to use.

Any program aired on Shortwave and AM/Medium Wave is also carried over our 24/7 streaming channels. So anyone who is connected to the Internet can also listen to your program using a phone, tablet, a PC or Internet radio device.

On Satellite, we can distribute your radio and TV signal via satellites worldwide. In addition, beyond the digital divide, we complement our services with simultaneous audio (radio) streaming wherever the Internet is available.

We can build your own radio station

Milano Ventures and NEXUS will create your virtual radio station on Shortwave, AM/Medium Wave, or online, often with a dedicated frequency you air for more than 60 minutes per day.

We can help you create your dedicated audio channels or your streaming radio station from scratch, including a visual player hosted on your website. Your streaming radio station can be based on your content, music, news, and live events. And once you have a live 24/7 channel over the Internet, we can also take it all or just a few hours on our WorldWide radio stations and broadcast it live on Shortwave and/or AM/Medium Wave to Europe or on Shortwave to Africa, Asia, North or South America.

We can also help locate and integrate news, information and additional material into your schedule to create a loyal audience. Typical applications include in-store radio, Church or Christian radio, group or interest-based radio, news radio services, music, political, foreign or vernacular language service.Build your own radio or TV station

Marketing, SEO and lead generation

Milano Ventures and NEXUS also help your organisation create a modern communication strategy, i.e., creating real opportunities to impact innovative services, such as marketing automation, fundraising, lead generation, on-demand marketing, online presence, and social media management. In addition, NEXUS-IBA and Milano Ventures help secular and Christian organisations increase fundraising opportunities and fund their mission and outreach ministries.

marketing, SEO and lead generation fro your company or organisation

Continuous innovation and research in new technologies

With the help of Milano Ventures, the NEXUS association strengthens its position as Innovator and Technology Mediator or facilitator. We enable NEXUS-IBA’s members worldwide and end-users to make full use of innovation and recent technology developments in media, including broadcasting, social media, and the Internet.

Innovation in new technologies

NEXUS-IBA (nonprofit) volunteers

People volunteering for NEXUS-IBA are professionals, teachers, university professors and researchers, journalists, students, and engineers. Most of them devote their spare time and resources to public service to the global community.

On June 15, 1995, NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association was officially approved for association with the Department of Public Information (now: the Department of Global Communication) of the United Nations. For more than 20 years, NEXUS-IBA has been actively promoting the work and activities of both the UN and UNESCO. Researchers at NEXUS-IBA created the first load-balanced cloud and Content Delivery Network (CDN) called WorldDirector, later used by Milano Ventures and their clients in Europe and the USA.

our volunteers

Innovation in the Cloud

Most Internet and cloud-related services and applications are delivered to end-users fast and reliably over the WorldDirector platform, including streaming audio and video services on behalf of our stations and members.

Innovaton in the cloud and internet

About the NEXUS-IBA term

The NEXUS term was chosen because this Latin word says it all: a link or point of connection, using international media, radio, TV and cloud services to link content providers with their audiences.

But NEXUS also stands for more than just a physical connection using various technologies. It also means World communication and promoting freedom of speech around the world. When an individual or an organisation becomes part of NEXUS-IBA, they are part of a dynamic, highly professional and creative team devoted to utilising the latest technologies to deliver their content at the lowest possible cost.

NEXUS-IBA team: the cultural radio link

Milano Ventures (Dublin, Ireland) is proud to be selected NEXUS-IBA’s partner to service their membership and commercial clients, service and and maintain their cloud and broadcasting infrastructure across all continents.

From Dublin, Ireland, Milano Ventures Ltd. offers content media delivery services worldwide both to NEXUS-IBA’s members and commercial clients. Services offered by Milano Ventures include: international broadcasting, disaster recovery, professional e-mail, software and application development, domain registration, web marketing & SEO, high reliability WorldDirector cloud hosting and related consulting services.

NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA, Milan, Italy) is a non-profit association founded in 1990. NEXUS-IBA provides its membership all necessary means for the effective dissemination of content on radio, TV, the Internet and any media in general. NEXUS-IBA reaches every country in the world. Radio and TV broadcasters, as well as small program producers from all-over the world make use of NEXUS-IBA’s Internet media streaming & distribution, radio, TV and satellite broadcasting services to reach audiences worldwide.

Milano Ventures, Dublin, Ireland

UNESCO radio archives

UNESCO radio archives

UNESCO Radio archives

These audio files are part of the first RealAudio tests on UNESCO Radio at Internet Radio NEXUS dating back in 1995, also broadcasted as weekend feature programs on IRRS-Shortwave. You can hear the very low audio quality (mostly 8 kHz), almost telephonic quality, used at the beginning of the Internet in the 1990’s when most people were connected to the internet using 9.6 or 14.4 kbps modems.

NEXUS-IBA pioneered the use of audio streaming technologies as one of the first beta-testers of the first audio streaming technology called RealAudio.

The old files in RealAudio (.ra) format have been converted to MP3 and preserve the original poor sound quality which was just suitable for transmitting voice information. They are kept online for historical reasons only and may have no actual value.

These UNESCO radio programs were produced by Erin Faherty-Mella, Executive Radio producer at Unesco, and Vaiju Naravane in Paris, and brodcasted also by NEXUS-IBA to Europe and North Africa on Shortwave.

UNESCO Radio: World Press Freedom Day Message (May 3rd, 1999)

UNESCO Radio: India's Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao presents "Ghandi in the Global Village" [02:29]

UNESCO Radio: Venice : The vanishing Waterland [20:47]

UNESCO Radio: Healing the wounds [17:29]

UNESCO Radio: Stories from Northern Lands: Sweden, Part I [18:36]

UNESCO Radio: Chernobyl: Some lessons learned [20:00]

UNESCO Radio: Back to Dubrovnik, The Blood of the Stones [41:19]

UNESCO Radio: Dubrovnik revisited: a time for peace [24:32]

UNESCO Radio (Spanish): Conversationes con Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Director General de la UNESCO [27:22]

UNESCO Radio (Spanish): Education para todos : sueno o realidad ? [14:53]

NEXUS-IBA, the Home of International Broadcasting on AM and Shortwave