This article appeaned in the May 1998 edition of the CMQ
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FRIENDS BOOST VOICE OF THE POPE
Vatican Radio, which broadcasts the Pope's message worldwide has recently installed a powerful new 50 kilo watt radio medium-wave radio transmitter funded by a gift of £75,000 from the Society of the Friends of the Holy Father.Broadcasts to northern, eastern, southern Europe and north Africa, within a 900 mile radius of Rome, have been dependent on an elderly 30 year old transmitter, in constant need of repair and attention. The new one will make a reliable and more energy efficient complement to Vatican Radio's equipment offering the latest sophisticated technology.
Dr. Michael Straiton, Hon Secretary of the Friends, Colin Edwards, Chairman of the Society and his wife Mary, are seen presenting the cheque.
A tour afterwards to the radio's transmission centre, 20 miles north of Rome by Lake Bracciano, enabled the gift to be seen at first hand. It is the first such transmitter to be presented to Vatican Radio since Cardinal Spellman gave one on behalf of the American people over 30 years ago.