English Language Media

A world of information, both local and global - in English. The local and international English language print and broadcast media that is available to you if you live in Umbria.

Radio

BBC World Service can be received on digital FM 90.2 and Satellite Hot Bird 2-13º East.

For more information on receiving BBC World Service via satellite: Click here

The main BBC stations and other English-language radio can also be received via many satellite TV installations or over the Internet. Previously broadcast programmes can often be listened to again or downloaded.

Voice of America is also available on shortwave, with NewsNow.

For the region's frequency chart: Click here
For a programme guide: Click here
For webcasts of VOA programmes: Click here

Radio in Umbria

The Italian Radio Relay Service (IRRS) was founded as a short wave radio station in 1987, with the intention of reaching the largest number of Europeans by radio. Currently, with the help of the Milan-based, non-profit organisation NEXUS-IBA, IRRS shortwave broadcasts programmes dealing with many different subjects in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Polish and Ukrainian.

IRRS Shortwave can be found on the following frequencies:

From Europe 7,120, 3,985 and 3,955 KHz (41 metre band) daily: Schedules

For more information, contact:

NEXUS – International Broadcasting Association
At: PO Box 10980, 20110 Milan (MI)
Tel: 02 266 6971
Fax: 02 706 38151
e-mail
Website

Rai International Radio broadcasts daily foreign language news bulletins on shortwave, Hotbird 6 and on the Internet

To find out broadcast times for news bulletins in the language of choice: Click here

Radio on the Internet: English language stations online

Radio stations often stream their broadcasts on the Internet. In order to listen to their programmes it is necessary to have Realplayer or Windows Media Player, both of which can be downloaded.

For a full list of online stations throughout the world, see Radio Locator
To see a list of the many stations available, see Mike's Radio World, Live 365, Streema Online Radio Stations and Broadcast Live

BBC Radio
Voice of America's NewsNow
CNN
ABC News
CBC Radio (Canada)
RTE (Republic of Ireland)
Yahoo music

Followers of fashion may listen to interviews in Italian and English on the FashionFM website

On the Monitor RadioTV website it is possible to listen to British, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish radio programmes

For radio programmes broadcast from the Vatican: Click here

The monthly broadcasting magazine, MonitoR Radio TV, has articles on radio programmes, television, broadcasting technology, audio-video production, advertising agencies, producers and programmes distributors in both English and Italian.

Television

In order to watch English-language, free-to-air programmes (unscrambled) such as BBC World, CNBC Europe, CNN International, Euronews, MTV, Travel and Skynews, a satellite reception system capable of picking up the Astra-1 satellite cluster is necessary.

For a list of free-to-air, Astra-1 digital channels available in Italy: Click here

More channels are available via a HotBird system available on the HotBird satellite cluster at 13.0º East.

A list of HotBird channels can be found in the Eutelsat directory (PDF)

The free-to-air English-language TV channels included in HotBird are the following:

BBC World
CCTV9
EBS – Europe by Satellite
Euronews

ITV, BBC ONE and BBC TWO programmes are available with the Astra 2 system. These and all the other free-to-air channels can be received by any standard digital satellite receiver and large (90cm+) satellite dish.

For a list of what's on TV across Europe: Click here

Internet television tuners

Holersoft is an Internet television tuner that allows users to see over 1,200 online TV stations from around the world. The television channels are streamed through the Internet connection, without need for a PC TV card. It is advisable to use a high-speed Internet connection. A free, trial version can be downloaded.

Sopcast is a free, streaming, direct broadcast system based on P2P which allows users to watch international TV programmes online.

Ahusoft provides international live television channels and online radio stations. A free, trial version (and the option to buy) are available on the Ahusoft website.

For more Internet TV options: Click here

The Italian TV broadcasting company Rai, shows some satellite TV programmes in English, such as the Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, on Rai Sat Extra.

To see a timetable: Click here

Magazines and Newspapers

In Umbria: A free publication produced by the Gubbio Region. Available from tourist offices in the region. Includes information on local accommodation, events, food and wine, local produce, tours and information on the towns within the area
The Little Blue: A free publication to assist the newcomer to Perugia. Available at eGeneration, v. Fabretti, Perugia, Cinema Pavone, C.Vannucci67, Perugia and can be found in some bars around town
Trasimeno Times: Monthly magazine covering local events, news, important dates, useful numbers and a list of English-speaking business services in the area. Available at information points and selected news stands.
- At: Via Roma 14, 06061 Citta di Castello (PG)
  Tel: 075 960 1168
  Website
Umbria Best: Newspaper printed in both English and Italian. A free publication circulated quarterly and available from Tourist Offices and selected businesses in the Umbrian area. Contains local information and upcoming events.
Umbria Online Journal: A free publication circulated monthly, available from tourist offices and selected newsstands throughout Umbria. This colour printed newspaper contains news, information and upcoming events for the region of Umbria
- The Umbria Online Journal is also available online: Click here
Valley Life: A monthly magazine in Italian and English covering news, events, fashion and style in and around Citta di Castello and Umbertide. Available at news stands.
- At: Via Regina Elena 20, 06010 Citta di Castello (PG)
  Tel/fax: 075 850 2135
  e-mail
  Website
Viva Perugia: A monthly publication available from newsstands throughout Perugia. It contains information on upcoming events, transport information, train and bus timetables, nightlife, pharmacies and museum information

Online media in English for Umbria

AGI (Agenzia Giornalistica Italiana): news site produced by the Italian Prime Minister's office.
EIN News: Italian news in English
The Magazine: periodical covering education and culture in Europe, with in-depth articles and reports on EU policies; available in five languages: English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. It is only available by subscription
Trekking: an Italian magazine featuring information about accommodation, excursions, events, holidays and articles; online versions in English, German and Italian.
Corriere della Sera: newspaper featuring articles about Italian life, politics, news and recipes, can be read in English online
The Informer: online guide to living in Italy, understanding Italian bureaucracy and overcoming difficulties in dealing with laws, tax, social security and labour regulations.