Europe’s Cultural Radio link

What is the IRRS-Shortwave?

In 1987, a small group of idealistic and highly dedicated individuals with their own broadcasting experience had the idea of starting a Shortwave radio station to act as a link between independent cultural program makers and the European Audience. The Shortwave medium had been recognised for years as the most effective means of reaching the most significant number of Europeans by radio, and for the high quality of its audience. “The Italian Radio Relay Service” (also known as “IRRS” or “I-double-R-S“) went on the air in November 1988 and was an immediate success.

The founders of NEXUS-IBA used their funds to finance the necessary equipment. Initially, they utilised the facility in their spare time on Saturdays and Sundays to broadcast their programming, which consisted of music, discussion programs, topical presentations, vintage radio shows, and plays. IRRS-Shortwave quickly became a distinctive part of the European shortwave scene, attracting considerable publicity and interest. The experiment was so successful that enquiries poured in from other program producers who were also anxious to use Shortwave, but could not afford the high rates for airtime charged by the established commercial relay stations.

Soon afterwards, IRRS-Shortwave began airing the current affairs and cultural programs of leading international and intergovernmental agencies (i.e., the United Nations, UNESCO, and other UN agencies) and special program services produced by different broadcasters. Thousands of listeners praised their content as being of a quality and nature not available elsewhere. The much older NEXUS FM station (1979-1999) also operated in part as a relay of the BBC World Service in Milan. It was the only source of multilingual programs in Italy’s most important industrial and commercial centre.

And so, the NEXUS/IRRS idea grew. Founded in 1990, with its headquarters in Milan, the NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA) is a non-profit association established under Italian Law. Proof of NEXUS-IBA’s established position in international broadcasting is the fact that it earned a coveted separate listing in the prestigious World Radio and TV Handbook and “Passport to Worldband Radio”, the leading “Who’s Who” in international broadcasting. In the religious broadcasting field, some internationally known and respected radio ministries have also become NEXUS members. NEXUS-IBA created special Christian radio segments in its programming, branded as European Gospel Radio (EGR), becoming one of the leading outlets for multilingual spiritual programming in Europe. NEXUS-IBA is, however, strictly non-denominational and open to anyone with a message to tell the world.

According to the Italian Broadcasting Act of 1990, the Association is designated as a non-profit community broadcaster operating in the public interest. NEXUS-IBA provides broadcast time and consulting services to Association members and non-members. Membership fees entitle members to the lowest airtime rates billed directly by preferred commercial service providers. The tiny volunteer NEXUS-IBA administrative staff is highly dedicated and receives no remuneration beyond legitimate expenses. All members’ contributions above rent, electricity, and maintenance costs are reinvested in the Association to ensure the lowest possible airtime rates.

NEXUS-IBA is based in Italy but is truly international in its scope and philosophy. Current programming is available in English, French, Spanish, German, and the Oromo language in East Africa. Programs may be written in any language and cover any subject. The NEXUS-IBA Executive Council exercises no censorship or control and intervenes only in cases where there might be an apparent conflict with or violation of Italian or European Law.

IRRS-SHORTWAVE: The Technical Infrastructure

Until 2001, NEXUS-IBA operated on Shortwave from Milan, Italy, with two SIEMENS model S42043‑S305‑A1 transmitters of extremely high quality and reliability. Although capable of standard AM (double-sideband) transmission, NEXUS-IBA chose to operate with the much more effective and efficient “A3A” modulation, i.e., Single-Sideband, reduced carrier mode, as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.

One of the Siemens S42043‑S305‑A1 shortwave transmitters used by IRRS-Shortwave and operated by NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association in Milan, Italy, from the 1980s to the mid-1990s. This 10 kW unit, along with another twin unit, broadcasts international programs across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

In this way, our signal has the same communication power as a conventional AM transmitter of 30 kW, while remaining completely compatible with non-SSB receivers. Careful frequency management and the use of digital audio processing techniques ensured a strong signal and a high station profile throughout Western Europe, the Mediterranean area, and over the Iron Curtain into Eastern Europe.

Today, NEXUS-IBA operates with high-power Shortwave transmitters located in Europe, featuring transmitter powers of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kW. Utilising high-gain curtain HF antennas, we can reach every corner of the world with a maximum ERP (Effective Radiated Power) of approximately 87 million Watts.

From concept to transmission, NEXUS-IBA is on a solid basis and would be happy to welcome your organisation as one of our affiliate broadcasters.

Who needs NEXUS-IBA?

Anyone who wants to talk to Europeans and Worldwide by radio, satellite and streaming in the most cost-effective manner

Do you recall the pictures that circulated the world during the Gulf War, showing people glued to their shortwave radios to receive the latest news from the outside world? During that crisis, sales of Shortwave receivers skyrocketed, leaving dealers with empty shelves. Shortwave once again demonstrated its importance and effectiveness. For all the talk of satellite radio and TV, Shortwave radio remains the most cost-effective electronic mass medium that can span enormous distances instantly and penetrate every home in Europe. Also, Shortwave radio is portable and is a companion wherever one goes. It is truly the world’s most mobile electronic mass medium. Modern Shortwave receivers are ultra-compact and very easy to use.

NEXUS-IBA provides direct access to millions of listeners worldwide, spanning the digital divide in areas where access to the Internet, electricity, and local radio or TV stations is often limited.

Do you remember when a telephone call between the U.S. and Europe cost $5.00 a minute? Today, that same call costs a fraction of that amount. Thanks to cost-saving modern technology and, above all, automation, the miracle of international broadcasting has also become affordable for everyone. As specified in its legal charter, NEXUS-IBA provides this non-profit service via Shortwave, AM radio (MW/Medium Wave), Satellite and Streaming over the Internet.

The non-profit NEXUS system has cut overhead to the bone, without compromising the quality of service. The small, dedicated NEXUS staff is non-salaried. This fact, along with computerisation coupled with state-of-the-art transmission equipment, ensures NEXUS-IBA’s broadcasters and program producers a reliable, top-quality, worldwide coverage.

Who will I reach?

Satellite to Europe

Technically speaking, your message will reach every household and individual with a shortwave radio. Dedicated broadcasts, using high-gain antennas that can be beamed to any country, can provide almost local-quality reception in any region in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe or the Americas. And millions of more travellers carry Shortwave with them to keep in touch with the world and for companionship along the way.

Perhaps more important is the quality of the shortwave audience. Shortwave listeners are well-known for their above-average education, open-mindedness, and interest in international, intellectual, and cultural affairs. Additionally, you will be in excellent company on NEXUS-IBA and European Gospel Radio, which have been used for years as relays by international broadcasters and official international agencies of the highest standing.

NEXUS-IBA Offers Much More than Airtime

Our non-profit organisation has expertise in Shortwave International broadcasting going back more than 40 years. We offer “total counselling” free of charge. We want to help you make your broadcasting mission a success.

Whatever your programming, NEXUS-IBA will help you reach the right audience at the right time. If desired, this free counselling includes editorial as well as technical assistance, custom-tailored to your individual needs. We offer highly flexible scheduling, ranging from regular daily and weekly service to sporadic, ad hoc broadcasting of separate programs to any worldwide target. We are prepared for short-notice service and can deliver program material via satellite, FTP uploads, live streaming, or traditional telephone feeds.

No One is Too Big or Too Small to be Part of NEXUS-IBA

Smaller programmers will appreciate the value for money of the NEXUS system made possible by its non-profit basis. Larger program institutions should be aware that, even if they operate their facilities on Shortwave, NEXUS-IBA reaches a very loyal and high-quality segment of the Shortwave market that may not make a habit of listening to other stations.

Our listeners have repeatedly expressed appreciation for the unique variety and quality of NEXUS-IBA programs, reflecting the wide range of NEXUS-IBA members. Perhaps you have “minority” program material that is not suited to your regular operations, or for which no time is available on your regular outlets. The chances are that this material will find a grateful audience via NEXUS-IBA.

Furthermore, NEXUS-IBA has no political or religious affiliation. It has a very liberal editorial policy and does not edit or censor material unless it is in clear violation of official legal guidelines. With NEXUS-IBA, you get your message on the air the way you want it heard. You are not at the mercy of a production middleman.

We could go on. However, we believe it would be more productive to discuss your specific needs with you directly. Whether you are involved in cultural, political, tourist, current affairs, or religious programming, NEXUS-IBA was created to serve your needs.

Please get in touch with us for detailed information at no cost or obligation. You’re just a phone call or email away from your direct link to the World’s Shortwave market. And don’t forget our live streaming radio services, which serve the international community from our streaming servers in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

With its seat in Milano, Italy, NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association is a strictly non-profit association founded under Italian Law that operates IRRS-Shortwave, European Gospel Radio and IRRS-Medium Wave to Europe. NEXUS-IBA makes available broadcast time, with no commercial advertising on the air and, currently, with no corporate underwriting and no government sponsorship.

For more information please contact:

NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association, Milan, Italy.
Italy: +39 02 2666971
UK: +44 20 3529-6775
USA: (201) 540-0996
Toll-Free: 888-612-0039

or email: info@nexus.org