# frsholland.nl > a Balance between Music & Information joint to one Format. ## Posts - [Holiday Season Broadcast](https://frsholland.nl/holiday-season-broadcast/): It’s a long time tradition….FRS-Holland’s annual Holiday Season broadcast.On Sunday December 21st  FRS-Holland will be on air with its festive broadcast.The broadcast will be on 7700//9300, 7405, 5870 ánd 12005 kHz. Programmes will run between 08:52-13:50 UTC/ 09:52-14:50 CET. There’s a possibility of a 2nd run after close down at 13:50 UTC/ 14:50 CET. Check it out!All familiar voices will be doing shows: Mike, Dave, Jan, Bert & Peter. With our special Seasonal December jingles we create a beautiful atmosphere that matches the festive December month. And of course great music from the past 60 years, radio related items, the Day Calendar, […] - [FRS-Holland's 45th Anniversary](https://frsholland.nl/frs-hollands-45th-anniversary/): On Sunday, November 2nd 2025, FRS-Holland will celebrate its 45th anniversary. Together with you! We warmly invite you to be part of the celebratory broadcast.That day we will be on the air from 09:52 to 15:05 CET on several frequencies:7700//9300, 5870 & 7405 kHz.For the latest info about frequencies check this very website [frsholland.nl–> Latest News].On Sunday November 9th 09:52 -15:05 CET the complete anniversary broadcast will be repeated on 9800 kHz. And maybe on 5905 kHz, that isn’t decided yet. What can you expect? A day full of surprises. We’ll present a number of entertaining and varied programmes with […] - [New website online!](https://frsholland.nl/new-website-online/): Welcome to the updated FRS Holland website. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing and has taken quite some time. But ultimately, we can say: feel free to look around and let us know what you think! Discover the rich history of FRS-Holland, the long serving shortwave free radio station, on our brand new website! Step back in time and immerse yourself in over 40 years of fascinating stories, photos, and audio fragments that reflect the evolution of FRS-Holland. Lose yourself in a wealth of detailed articles that highlight the rise, highs & lows, and challenges of FRS-Holland. From the pioneering […] ## Pages - [2010](https://frsholland.nl/2010-2019/2010-2/): 2010 marked FRS-Holland’s 30th anniversary and this time Peter Verbruggen was determined to produce something special. It would become a most eventful year…. Opposed to 2009, and similar to 2007, FRS activity in 2010 already started in February. On the 28th between 08.52- 13.05 UTC FRS took to the airwaves on 7600 and 5800 kHz.  Propagation was fair. A week later, Sunday  March 7th, the complete broadcast was repeated . This time two hours later compared with the week before: between 10.52- 15.05 UTC. 9300 kHz replaced 5800 kHz. FRS was happy with the 40+ reports. Already in March preparations […] - [Donations](https://frsholland.nl/donations/): If you like to support us keeping the site online, please consider a donation. Thank you! - [Downloads](https://frsholland.nl/downloads/): On this page you can find files which you can download. From now on the ‘FRS Newsletter’ can be downloaded free of any charge. Following each broadcast, FRS compiles  this Newsletter for its  listening audience. It contains  information regarding the previous broadcast(s) plus informs about future activities. As well a few extra! By just ‘clicking’ you can download the file.A small donation is highly appreciated. If you have Paypal, then simply use [ frs@frsholland.nl ]. FRS Newsletter Spring 2024 (pdf) FRS Newsletter Summer 2024 (pdf) FRS Newsletter Autumn 2024 (pdf) FRS Newsletter Winter 2024- 2025 (pdf) - [No Access](https://frsholland.nl/no-access/) - [test4](https://frsholland.nl/test4/) - [FRS on YouTube](https://frsholland.nl/frs-on-youtube/): On this page, a collection of YouTube links regarding FRS-Holland. These links are all created by listeners. Click on the respective link for video and audio. This overview is not complete. And: not all information is complete. For instance we often miss the exact reception location. This link gives you access to more FRS links: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=FRS-Holland. Do you have anything to add yourself? Send your link to frs@frsholland.nl. Thank you in advance!The column below is not complete: in many cases time/ location lacks. If you recognize a link that belongs to you and you can provide us with additional data: […] - [Home](https://frsholland.nl/): Welcome on the official site of the Free Radio Service Holland, a non political & non religious Free Radio station operating on the shortwave bands. Independent and free…. The station started on Sunday August 31st 1980 and eversince more than 40 years have passed. A period with ups but also downs. What kept (and keeps!) us going can be best described as “for the love of (Free) Radio”. In the knowledge we do operate independently, our station output consists of a wide variety of ingredients in which quality pop music from the 1960s till present time- 6 decades- a major […] - [FRS Newsletter](https://frsholland.nl/frs-newsletter/) - [Coverage](https://frsholland.nl/coverage/) - [Archive](https://frsholland.nl/archive/): Being active since the 1980 Summer, FRS-Holland has built up a comprehensive archive.  Roughly, the archive can be divided into sound and paper/digitized documents. Firstly, we have an extensive collection of original program cassettes. A large part of these has already been digitized (in mp3 format). Additionally, there are production elements on CD, but mainly on minidisc. Not to forget the jingle archive on minidisc and a few tapes. This includes fully produced jingles, promos, as well as ‘bare’ spoken liners (voice-overs). . Starting with the ‘FRS goes DX’ magazine (1982-1997) and further ‘FRS Newsletter’ and ‘FRS News’. A large […] - [QSL policy](https://frsholland.nl/qsl-policy/): FRS-Holland welcomes correct reception reports which will be verified with one of our QSL cards. At present time we run a series entitled ‘FRS Through the Years‘ which consists of 9 different QSL cards. In case you prefer a particular one: go ahead, make your choice and let us know. Go to FRS Image Gallery –> QSL cards –> QSL Series. If you do not make a choice yourself, we will choose one. Apart from the afore mentioned series we also offer two other series: ‘ FRS Transmitter Series‘ and ‘FRS Studios Series‘. As a serious station broadcasting a number […] - [2009](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2009-2/): 2008 was past and 2009 started similar to 2006 and 2008 with a long period of non-activity. But….it would become an important year. 2009 would bring about a turnaround in activities. The year started similar to 2006 and 2008 with a long period of non-activity. Though it wouldn’t take as long as the previous year before FRS was brought to life. In ‘FRS News’ Edition 34 from September 2009 It was announced that FRS-Holland was preparing a few tests within the 39 mb. The intention was that each Sunday would see 4 hour of tests divided in two blocks of […] - [2008](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2008-2/): 2008 would become yet another year with very low activity. But listeners wouldn’t forget us! In 2008 listeners had to wait over 300 days until hearing FRS on the airwaves. Four hours of programmes were broadcasted on Sunday November 2nd between 10.00– 14.00 CET, one hour too late because of a minor misunderstanding. It was originally intended to have a broadcast a week earlier on the 26th of October but German colleague station Radio Marabu  were ahead of us and had already hired the 6220 facility. Luckily propagation was better than the previous November broadcast in 2007. In the afternoon […] - [QSL's Listeners](https://frsholland.nl/qsls-listeners/): Here’s the collection of listeners’ QSLs that where issued in the period June 1980- today. Several listeners scanned one or a few QSL cards from their personal collection and forwarded them. This collection includes (unique) QSLs from ther two FRS tests (June & July 1980) prior to the official start and one from that official start on August 31st 1980. We’d like to express our gratitude to all who contributed! If you’d like to add one or a few of your FRS QSL cards added…please make a scan and send them to frs@frsholland.nl . Be sure we add them to […] - [1980- 1987](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1987-2/): In this period there have been 2 differentr main studios (at 2 different locations). The very first one from 1980 till late 1984. The second one from early 1985 till 1987. All photos included are from the first 7 years. - [2007](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2007-2/): With both a new 6220 relay and German presenter things looked once again promising for FRS. But ultimately, it turned out to be a lean year, just like the previous ones. In contrast with the previous years, the new year started with fresh courage and only a short break. Already on Sunday February 25th the first 2007 broadcast took place. Because of  poor propagation, it was decided that programmes would be aired between 15:00–19:00 CET. Especially in the afternoon hours 6220 appeared to be very strong and February 25th was no exception. Reception was (very) good in wide areas proved […] - [2006](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2006-2/): 2006 wouldn’t particularly become a good year… On the contrary: a memorable year in the FRS History but certainly not in a positive way. The first and only broadcast that year took place in December implying FRS had been off air for almost one year…an all time low! Apart from a brief 40W test on 6210 on Sunday August 28th, it was Sunday December 17th when FRS returned  to the airwaves via a new relay: Mystery Radio on 6220 kHz. Thanks to Chris, who acted as an intermediary to ensure that we could obtain this relay. Sunday December 17th marked […] - [2005](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2005-2/): 2005 had started. A very special year as August 31st of that year FRS-Holland would become 25 years old….a milestone! Following the successful November 2004 broadcast via Latvia, listeners had to wait exactly 5½  months. Sunday May 1st FRS took to the air on 9290 from 09.52-13.59 CEST.  09.52 seems a bit odd as a starting time but FRS-Holland die-hards must know the answer… The first 8 minutes FRS IDs and theme tune are being aired and exactly at the top of the hour a time signal is marking the  start of presented programmes. May 1st not only was our […] - [2004](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2004-2/): It would take 5 months until the first broadcast was conducted. It should be clear that during much of the years after 2000, FRS activities were extremely limited. Despite this, the ‘radio vibe’ didn’t really go away; FRS persevered. The May 2004 edition of FRS News #26 was completely restyled containing 4 pages filled with new columns like Mailbox 2702 and Fact File.  In that edition it was proudly announced that FRS would soon be back on the airwaves on 9290 kHz with 100 kW!Following careful consideration, the decision was taken to bring FRS-Hollandsoon back on the airwaves via the […] - [2003](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2003-2/): The first 2003 broadcast would be a five hour one, planned for February 23rd. However, 2003 turned out to be a year with very little activity. Programmes were recorded including the debut show of newcomer Frank Carson. Unfortunately the transmission had to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. And that was that. Following this setback, FRS was aiming at a re-start in September.  Apart from some low power tests, it remained silent for the first 8 months of 2003. Nevertheless the FRSH spirit was still alive. In contrast with the previous two years, FRS was not to be […] - [2002](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2002-2/): 2002 started with the knowledge that many activities had taken place in the last months of 2001. In this case, that wouldn’t be the scenario for this year. The first activity in 2002 was noted February 17th when a successful early morning test to North America was conducted on 6285 kHz. FRS considered to go on air in the May/ June period but propagation has been very poor and to be honest: it would have been a waste of time to put out a lengthy broadcast knowing that reception conditions would have been far from good. So, it was decided […] - [2001](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2001-2/): 2001 was the first year without of Joop ter Zee’s contribution. January started with a USA test. January 21st 2001, another USA test was conducted, this time from 06.30- 07.30 UTC on 6289 kHz. Propagation was very good and FRS-Holland was received in fair quality on the US east coast but also in Nashville, Tennessee! As from February onwards FRS introduced an E-(lectronic) News Letter. The E-News would be forwarded on an irregular basis. Edition #1 was sent on Monday February 5th. The E-News was in fact a ‘digital copy’ of the ‘FRS News’ publication, an irregular free newssheet containing […] - [2000](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/2000-2/): The magic 2000 had started being the start of FRS-Holland’s third decade. It would become FRS’s most memorable year so far… Sunday February 27th FRS carried out an Internet broadcast via an American radio friend of Joop ter Zee, LD Brewer. The broadcast was heard over his personal website www.ldbrewer.com. More Internet activity went out Sunday April 30th. Via our very own website home.planet.nl/~frsh/home.html listeners were linked to LD Brewer’s site. Salient detail: LD Brewer forgot the originally planned date of April 23rd, he was not at home…. Let’s first make a little statement: FRS prefered shortwave broadcasts above Internet […] - [1999](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1999-2/): In the New Year the first FRS activities were already on January 24th (10.00-13.30 CET) on a frequency close to 6240 kHz via the same relay who put us on the air June 21st and September 27th 1998. Power was 150W making use of a fourfold 807 transmitter. After this broadcast FRS would remain silent for no less than 9 months.October 31st saw FRS-Holland’s 19th birthday on 6240 and two Dutch relays were used between 10:00- 14:30 CET. RIt was announced during the programmes that this could be the final millennium broadcast. It wasn’t because that was granted to Sunday […] - [1998](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1998-2/): February 22nd saw FRS-Holland’s 1998 kick off  with a 3 hour broadcast on 6242 kHz. Power on that first 1998 event was 150W. That day conditions were far from good but all in all it was a good broadcast with a nice signal and loud modulation. Part of the programming was a new programme called the Short SW Parade. Basically a show in which Joop ter Zee played “alternative music” not often to be heard on the radio. Quoting Joop ter Zee: “It’s a freaky hit list of records, not older than one year. Goal is to bring unknown records to the FRS […] - [1997](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1997-2/): FRS’ 18th year began with a longer period of silence. Early April saw the very final edition of  the ‘FRS Goes DX’ magazine. For almost 15 years ‘FRS goes DX’ had been a reliable source of information to many European Free Radio enthusiasts and DXers. Already in March 1996, exactly one year earlier, Peter Verbruggen explained that he had been considering the idea of quitting ‘FRS goesDX’. He decided to continue because he knew how much work was spent in the past years to turn the magazine into a good-looking magazine with a varied, interesting offer of radio news. One year later […] - [More facts](https://frsholland.nl/more-facts-2/) - [Statistics & more...](https://frsholland.nl/statistics-more/): If we talk about 43+ years of FRS‑Holland, all kind of figures can be found in the archives of the station. Here are just a few: - [1996](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1996-4/): 1996 started with the introduction of a new temporary e-mail address: joop.ter.zee@tip.nl. The first ‘FRS Goes DX’ magazine #139 came out late March and the editorial covered an overview of  14½ years of  publications. Not without reason: from that moment onwards ‘FRS Goes DX’ was going to be published quarterly. Producing the magazine had become a very time consuming job, there was too much time pressure and Peter V. wanted to spend more time on his family and other aspects of radio. It would take almost four months before the first on air activity would take place: April 28th would become a disappointing […] - [1995](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1995-2/): And so- after a rather disappointing year 1994 – FRS entered 1995 It was a fact FRSH did have excellent transmitting facilities but having a good, reliable and safe location was quite a different story. Previous attempts to bring back FRS in a more regular way had failed. Even former Delmare person Johan Rood was contacted for helping FRS out. A new relay facility turned up via SWR-Switzerland/ IRRS. SWR-Switzerland had a contract with the Italian IRRS for leasing the 10 kW 7125 SW outlet (30 kW ERP!!) and SWRS on their turn leased air time to several interested Free Radio stations in Western […] - [1994](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1994-2/): Following a few set backs in the second half of 1993 (for instance no traditional X-Mas Party), FRS was determined to start the New Year 1994 with a loud bang. For the second time WGAS- the World Greatest Anorak Station- would serve as relay station. But prior to that, FRS got an unexpected offer for January 9th. At 11:45 UTC programmes commenced on 6219 but soon a move to 5944 had to be made. This unusual switch was announced live on air by the responsible station OP. Too much interference (powerhouse on 5955) resulted in a yet another switch to 6229 and finally FRS […] - [1993](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1993-2/): Of course FRS’ main activity was broadcasting on shortwave. But FRS also produced a (free) radio magazine to subscribers in various European countries. Edition 121 volume 11 January 1993 saw a completely restyled ‘FRS Goes DX’ in a three column A4 format and improved print quality. From now on 32 to 36 pages were produced comparable with 64 to 72 pages in the old 1992 format! And: more photos in the magazine and a much improved lay-out! Finally ‘FRS Goes DX’ had developed into a good-looking, serious and moreover informative and versatile magazine read by many European radio enthusiasts. Annual subscription fee […] - [Test](https://frsholland.nl/test/): Proudly powered by WordPress Proudly powered by WordPress - [Studios 1987- present](https://frsholland.nl/1987-present/): In the post 1987 period there were three different studios. All photos in this particular gallery are from the current studio location. Remark: some of the equipment was exchanged for different (newer) devices. For instance our mixing desk. - [Studios 1980- 1987](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1987/): In this period there were two different main studios. The first one from 1980- late 1984, the second one between early 1985 – 1987. All photos included are from the first seven years. - [Recording Studios](https://frsholland.nl/recording-studios-2/): This series of photos regards the main FRS studio covering the period 1980 to present. A total of five different studios have been used since the start in 1980. Partly with the same equipment. This series shows photos from the very first ‘attic based’ studio until the one currently being in use. Of course there have been many more separate studios: each FRS presenter had (has) its very own private studio to record his FRS show. The main studio is the one which was used for get togethers with several FRS jocks (X-Mas and Birthday recordings etc.) in the early years and where all FRS Sunday broadcasts have been (are)  ‘mastered’ […] - [Stickers](https://frsholland.nl/stickers/): Here’s an overview of the 5 different stickers which were launched in the period 1980- present. The most recent one dates back to 2023. We’d like to pay your attention to the menu-item ‘Image Gallery’ providing general info which might be of interest. - [QSL Series](https://frsholland.nl/qsl-series/): Here’s the collection of QSLs which were were part of a Series. They were designed & printed in the period 2003- present. It’s obvious each series’ title reflects its content. The series which are presented: ‘The Studio Series’ (2003- 2005), ‘the Transmitter Series’ (2007- 2009) and ‘FRS Through the Years’ (2012- present).Click on an image for full exposure. - [Special QSLs 1980- present](https://frsholland.nl/special-qsls-1980-present/): Here’s the special collection of QSLs which were designed & printed in the period 1980- present. This collection contains QSLs which were issued for special occasions such as Christmas and Anniversaries. Click on an image for full exposure. - [QSLs 1980- present](https://frsholland.nl/qsls-1980-present/): Here’s the collection of QSLs which where designed & printed in the period 1980- present. These are the ‘regular’ single QSL cards not belonging to a series. We’d like to point out that the menu items FRS Image Gallery and QSL Gallery contain descriptions which might be of interest for then reader.Click on an image for full exposure. - [QSL cards](https://frsholland.nl/qsl-cards/): Since our start in August 1980, countless QSL cards have been designed, printed and issued to thousands of listeners all over the world. This QSL Gallery is an overview of all those different QSL cards including the complete collection up till present. We do apologize for the quality of some of the QSL images. Just to make it a bit ‘well-organized’, there are different collections of QSLs: the so called ‘regular’ or ‘single’ QSLs‘ issued over the period 1980- today, QSLs which have been issued for special occasions such as Christmas, Anniversaries etc. ánd QSL series which relate to a main topic such as studios or transmitters. Our latest (2017) […] - [Listeners' Memories](https://frsholland.nl/listeners-memories/): In this article a diverse collection of memories from a number of listeners is being published. Listeners from several countries…listeners who in some cases already listened to the station right from the beginning i the early 1980s. Others followed later, in the course of the 80s, 90s or the 00s. Just the fact that it all concerns personal  memories it gives a versatile picture from the listener’s viewpoint. We know there are many more faithful FRS listeners out there who certainly have some font memories. We invite all of you to send your personal contribution to frs@frsholland.nl or P.O.Box 2702, 6049 ZG Herten in The Netherlands. Alternatively you can surf […] - [FRS goes DX (progr)](https://frsholland.nl/frs-goes-dx/): Overview If there’s one show we have to mention surviving all those 30 years, the answer is quite easy: ‘FRS Goes DX‘. The first edition went out as part of FRS-Holland’s debut broadcast on Sunday August 31st 1980. Ever since the programme has been part of FRS-Holland’s programming, looking at regular Sunday broadcasts. ‘FRS Goes DX’ started as a 30 minute show being a mix up of information & music. It would take just over 2 years before the programme was extended to 45 minutes. That was in  November 1983. The programme then focused entirely on news and music wasn’t played anymore. […] - [January 1983 raid](https://frsholland.nl/january-1983-raid/): During all those years of shortwave broadcasts, FRS‑Holland was involved in a number of raids, either directly or indirectly.January 16th 1983 is certainly the most memorable date because is was on that day that the Dutch RCD in co‑operation with the German Bundespost, raided FRS-Holland just after the close down of the regular 3rd Sunday broadcast at 14.05 CET. At the moment that station OP Peter Verbruggen switched off the 10W tx which had been operating that morning on 7320 and later on 7315, an RCD officer who had been hiding some 10 metres next to the transmitting equipment, came out […] - [Jingles (2)](https://frsholland.nl/jingles-2/): The Jingles (a potted history) The article below was featered in the FRS 40th Anniversary Souvenir booklet, being produced by the end of 2020. This 32-page booklet can still be ordered. Just drop us a line by e-mail (or P.O.Box 2702 in 6049 ZG Herten, the Netherlands). Celebrating such a milestone without a customized set of jingles would be unthinkable. Let’s first go back in time. A potted jingle history…Since FRS’ start back in 1980, dozens of jingles have been produced. Initially with a ‘good old’ Akai 4000DB tape recorder (owned by Joop terZee)which had the then vital dubbing option. […] - [Jingles](https://frsholland.nl/jingles/): Although we do not have accurate figures, we can say that in the past 40+ years several hundreds of jingles and promos have been produced. Jingles have always played an important role on FRS-Holland and make up a very creative part of the radio hobby. The very first set of jingles was recorded in the Summer of 1980, just before FRS’ official launch. That set of jingles was produced in Dutch, German & English. It became popular among many listeners because it sounded rather freaky. It perfectly fitted in with the general free radio way of thinking, at least: that […] - [FRS goes DX & Newsletters](https://frsholland.nl/newsletters-mags/): Within the history of FRS, there is a distinct role reserved for ‘FRS goes DX’ magazine. ‘FRS goes DX’ has its own history that is inseparably linked to Free Radio Service Holland. A little explanation: in 1982 the FRS Listeners Club was founded. Main purpose was to strengthen the bond between station & listener. In those days FRS-Holland was active with monthly 3rd Sunday broadcasts, the station had been building up a considerable listening audience justifying the idea of setting up a listeners club. And so the FRS Listeners Club was founded publishing a monthly club newsletter. Peter Verbruggen discussed […] - [Elementor #1662](https://frsholland.nl/elementor-1662/): Programme format The success of FRS‑Holland is certainly closely connected to the programme philosophy of the station. Even before any regular Sunday broadcasts began, Peter Verbruggen and the others realized that it was of great importance to develop a strong programme formula to entertain the listeners in the best possible way. Because of the international character of Short Wave transmissions, we felt it was a must to present multilingual programmes enabling listeners to hear their own language or an easy understandable language. Of course the staple diet of most SW pirates was in those days music. It’s difficult to give a guideline but a purely […] - [Recording Studios / Equipment](https://frsholland.nl/recording-studios/): Of course most of the FRS presenters past & present had (have) their own recording studios. But when speaking about ‘the FRS-Holland studio, it was (is) Peter Verbruggen’s one which was used, because most of the FRS parties (X-Mas, Birthdays etc.) and the final recordings of all shows on the “master tapes” were done in that particular studio. It started as a little but cosy studio at a time Peter still was living at his mum’s house (1980-1984). This first recording studio consisted of a 5-channel stereo mixing desk, a Philips Pro 12 tape recorder, a Teac tape recorder, two remote controlled […] - [Special Moments ](https://frsholland.nl/special-moments-intro/): In the 40+ year history of FRS-Holland as an independent free radio station, quite a number of eventful stories can be told. Under the title ‘Special moments’ we have selected a number… When broadcasting for such a long period, there are always a number of remarkable events to remember. For instance that Sunday in February 1980 when an attempt was made for a first test on 6265 kHz. Everything which could go wrong went wrong. The tx couldn’t be tuned up properly, the aerial did not hang any higher than a clothesline and to make matters even worse: we got an unwanted […] - [The first transmitters](https://frsholland.nl/the-first-transmitters/): FRS-Holland started with one 10W transmitter back in August 1980. That rig was used in the 48 mb on 6250 kHz, FRS’ first fixed frequency. But already 4 months later a second outlet was put into service in the 41 mb, initially on 7325 and not much later permanently on 7315 kHz. Having two transmitters, Peter Verbruggen felt is was more conformable to have both in some kind of box. So he started looking for a solution which eventually came from Frankie Fanatic. His father had a large wooden trunk which was – in his eyes – suitable to house both […] - [The Beginning (2)](https://frsholland.nl/the-beginning-2/): Sunday August 31st 1980 marked FRS‑Holland’s debut on SW. At 09:45 CET the 10W rig was switched on and 4 hours and 15 minutes later FRSH closed down. The first official 48 mb frequency was 6250 kHz in the 48 mb. FRS provided an international flavour of music & information presented in English, German & Dutch. The first‑ever programme schedule was as follows: Time in CET Name of the Show Presenter 10:00 English Service Barry Stephens 10:30 German Service Chris 11:00 Musical Express Fred van Es 11:45 FRS goes DX Petr Verbruggen 12:15 Album Show Frankie Fanatic 12:45 FRS Golden Show […] - [The Beginning (1)](https://frsholland.nl/the-beginning-1/): The FRS Holland story is like an exciting boys’ book starting in the second half of the 1970s. Peter Verbruggen was getting more and more interested in radio, mainly offshore & land based pirate radio. In 1976 Peter subscribed to the famous Dutch Belgian Baffle magazine. Until that moment he wasn’t aware of the existence of the Sunday SW free radio stations! Thanks to RadioVisie, the magazine which replaced Baffle, Peter got to know about the magic world of shortwave. In August ’78 Peter bought his first shortwave receiver and a new world opened up listening to stations such as […] - [Fact Files](https://frsholland.nl/fact-files-2/): Under this title we present a number of separate topics which are closely linked to the FRS-Holland’s long history as an independent and free shortwave radio station.The following fact files are presented: - [In Memory of Tom Taylor](https://frsholland.nl/presenters/in-memory-of-tom-taylor/): This article is in memory of the late Tom Taylor, one of FRS-Holland’s inspirers and at the same time indispensable in the early years. It was posted not long after Tom’s death back in January 2018. A Free Radio station, starting in 1976, surviving  the 20th century and still being active in 2017, thát is unique. It says it all about the person behind the station I’m referring at: Tom Taylor.A passionate Free Radio enthusiast whose brainchild  European Music Radio served so many listeners with ‘Sunday entertainment’ on shortwave. For many older SW listeners the name Barry Stephens will perhaps sound  more […] - [In Memory of Joop ter Zee](https://frsholland.nl/presenters/in-memory-of-joop-ter-zee/): This article has been written in memory of the late Joop ter Zee, one of FRS-Holland’s founders and key members.FRS Newsletter volume 4 issue 27 from September 2000 started with the following words…. Dear FRS-Holland Friend! Welcome in this autumn edition. Things are not as they used to be. When I put these words on paper, I have a totally different feeling  compared with previous editions. No reason to be happy, even when we are about to celebrate our 20th birthday in October. The unexpected death of my all time radio pal and friend Joop ter Zee has left deep […] - [Presenters now](https://frsholland.nl/presenters/presenters-now/): In the course of the years- in the mean time 40+ years– more than 20 presenters were active on FRS-Holland. And among those 20 a quintet that is responsible for today’s programme click on a name to jump directly to that presenter): It’s all about music, isn’t it? Grew up at a time when good music on the radio was still a precious thing. Wired for sound we were, and we would have lived in a greyer world if there was nobody who took the trouble to provide us with what we were longing to hear. They were the offshore […] - [Presenters Past](https://frsholland.nl/presenters/presenters-past/): Between FRS‑Holland’s start in August 1980 and now, some 21 presenters have been active on the station. The majority hosted FRS’ German Service .The first German presenter was Chris who presented the German Service between August 1980 and January 1982. After a two month silence he then presented the International Listeners’ Letters Show between April 1982 and March 1984. George Strong joined in March 1982 but already left in July of that year. His successor was Michael who presented the popular German Show between August 1982 and December 1983. One of the most popular German FRS presenters was Danny Kay who took over from Michael in December 1983. Danny presented his […] - [Format](https://frsholland.nl/general-info/format/): FRS aims at providing a balanced ‘diet’ of music and information for as many listeners as possible. True Sunday entertainment on shortwave, that’s what it is all about! We try to keep the programme standard as high as possible offering a wide variety of programmes, presented by an experienced crew of deejays. This is a solid basis to achieve our goal. Besides, we hope that our programming greatly adds to maintain the listener’s interest in Free Radio. Broadcasting on shortwave makes the world smaller and keeps the communication between all sorts of people going. FRSH programmes are primarily aimed at an […] - [Broadcast Information](https://frsholland.nl/general-info/broadcast-information/): In the 1980s and 1990s FRS-Holland followed a regular ‘3rd Sunday of the month’ schedule. As an extra the station carried out so called ‘5th Sunday of the month’ broadcasts, primarily in the first decade of our broadcasting life.As we entered the 2000s, the sequence changed from ‘9 to 12 times’ a year to ‘once in a while’. Main reason was that at that time (shortly after Joop ter Zee’s death) the FRS crew was reduced to only two presenters being Peter Verbruggen and Mark Jones (German Service). It was a difficult time and the enthusiasm was simmering. Slowly but surely […] - [1980](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1980-2/): The story of the Free Radio Service Holland begins in the second half of the 1970s. Peter Verbruggen takes up the story: “I was getting more and more interested in radio, mainly in offshore & landbased pirate radio. In 1976 I became a member of a very popular Dutch/Belgian radio magazine called ‘Baffle’. Strange enough I wasn’t aware at all of the existence of short wave pirates until I read about it in ‘RadioVisie’, a new magazine which was replacing ‘Baffle’ and paid regurlarly attention to the European SW scene in those days. That was at the end of 1977 I believe. In August […] - [A little introduction...](https://frsholland.nl/a-little-introduction/): This is the official site of the Free Radio Service Holland, a non-commercial & non-religious free radio station operating on the short wave bands. Independent and free…. The station started on Sunday August 31st 1980. Eversince more than 40years have passed with ups and downs. No doubt more ups than downs. What kept (and keeps!) us going can be best described as “for the love of (free) radio”. In the knowledge we do operate independently, our station output consists of a wide variety of ingredients in which quality pop music from the past 5 decades plays a vital role. In addition FRSH provides its listening audience with […] - [1992](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1992-2/): Early 1992 FRS offered a new big size red & blue car sticker. Apart from an USA test, it would take no less than four months before the first 1992 broadcast would be aired. The start was an early morning test (04:00- 06:00 CET): March 15th it went out on 6283 with presenters Joop ter Zee, JB and Peter Verbruggen. The actual output was no less than 700W (!) from a transmitter purchased a few weeks earlier. Four USA reports came in. Looking at the comprehensive FRS programme library, only very few original programme tapes are missing. Reasons for missing are the raids or […] - [1990](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1990-2/): The cover of  ‘FRS Goes DX’ issue number 91 being published February 2nd 1990 spoke volumes: “Several problems Prevented FRS-Holland from introducing its brand new programme schedule January 21st. In the mean time preparations are continuing to bring back the station on air as soon as possible. The new jingle package is almost finished. A new German deejay, Johnny Best, will replace Danny Kay who was forced to leave the station because of personal circumstances. Contrary to what some people suggest, FRS-Holland is still looking for a suitable and reliable transmitting location to secure monthly 3rd Sunday transmissions.”  Also February would be an […] - [1991](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/1991-2/): Sunday March 17th saw the first activities of 1991. FRS had no other choice than using 7290 kHz which was a very clear channel but at the same time an out-of-band frequency. Signal strength was fair and modulation good; all in all it was a more or less satisfactory broadcast with a modest response. Due to technical problems programming started just over an hour too late (11:01 instead of 09:54 CET). Already on April 21st FRS returned on 6280 with  25W of power. The broadcast (from the UK) lasted just over 3 hours and FRS suffered  slight interference from Ozone Radio whose signals emanated from […] - [1989](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1989-2/): January 15th marked the start of 1989, the 10th year in FRS’ broadcasting life, with a 3 hour broadcast taking place on 6240 kHz. Signals emanated from the Magic Forest… Reception was, despite the 40W of power, only fair and particularly in Great Britain FRS-Holland’s signal was poor. The main problem was that FRSH didn’t have a regular relay station. That implied great uncertainty and extra efforts because Peter Verbruggen had to try to arrange something, again and again every single month. It took a lot of time to find a suitable relay-station. Time which could have been better spent for preparations […] - [1988](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1988-2/): On January 17th 1988 FRSH started a fresh, new year with a 4 hour transmission on 6324 kHz. The signal was totally nulled out by utulity on the upper side band and the very poor conditions made things even worse. The FRS people were not able to contact the person who was operating the transmitter. It was Peter Verbruggen’s habit to have the telephone number of the relay-station just to make sure that whenever it was needed, the OP could be informed about interference or other incidents. All in all it perhaps was the worst broadcast (an all time low) ever looking at […] - [1987](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1987-2/): January 1987 started much better than 1986…. Yes, indeed! The readers of the German PIN Magazine voted FRS as the number 1 short wave free radio station. The station received four certificates related to as many different categories.Watch them along with the ‘all categories results’. Transmissions via the IRRS were suspended mainly because the IRRS people had to deal with a number of problems preventing them to relay FRS-Holland. The first 6205 broadcast took place on Sunday January 17th. That day conditions tended a bit to long skip but in general most of the FRS listeners could pick up a good signal. Also […] - [1986](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1986-2/): On Sunday January 5th & 12th 1986 no Delmare signal was observed on 6205 making the FRS people rather suspicious. Contacting Johan Rood taught us the transmitter was not operational due to technical problems. He added it would be very difficult to obtain some of the parts which were badly needed to repair the big transmitter. Direct result was no FRS activities in January and February (and March, April & May would see as well no Delmare relays). That didn’t keep Joop ter Zee from producing a number of fresh jingles. In the mean time Peter V. had to show patience….he waited till […] - [1985](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1985-2/): The first 6 months of 1985 was a period dominated by appalling propagation conditions. The fact Delmare increased power to 1.3 kW couldn’t put this right. On one hand it was positive that the full 6 hour programme service had returned on 6205 but what’s the point of putting out something when the majority of listeners within your target area are simply unable to enjoy solid reception or even worse: not receiving you at all? Conditions are elusive and the FRS people had to accept the things as they were. The longs skip conditions killed most of the efforts and […] - [1984](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1984-2/): On Sunday January 15th 1984 FRS-Holland opened with fresh courage: the new programme schedule was officially introduced. Underlying idea: ‘a Balance between Music & Info’. Peter V. explains… “Our main idea was that there had to be something for everyone. The average SW Sunday morning DX-er is not only interested in music, he’s also keen in getting information. So we thought it would be a good idea to have a continuous variety in the programme offer keeping music & info in balance with each other. Of course this was more or less already the case in our old programming but we wanted to […] - [1983](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1983-2/): January 1983 would become the most memorable month so far in the FRS-Holland history. The Saturday before, the transmission Peter V. worked on the two 40W transmitters ensuring reliable operation: both rigs worked perfectly well. Peter recalls that weekend …. “I was as pleased as punch since I finally succeeded in getting those two big brothers on the air. Although I was only making use oif a dummy load, I was convinced having solved the problem which kept me busy since a few months. You know, the transmitters were ok, it were the inverters causing a major problem. I couldn’t rely on […] - [1982](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1982-2/): 1981 had been a very good year and 1982 already spread its wings. During the early part of the January transmission, FRS-Holland was received in the U.S.A, quite exceptional knowing this happened after 09.00 GMT, a time when chances of being received across the Atlantic are virtually nil. On Saturday January 31st, one day before the 5th Sunday transmission together with E.M.R., it was discovered that two of the ropes which were permanently hanging on the location since a few months, were pulled out of the trees. In the darkness one new piece of rope was thrown into a tree and […] - [1981](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/1981-2/): 1981 began with the same programme line up and presenters as in previous months. For the January transmission more than 60 letters were received; conditions on both 48 & 41 metres were excellent. 7325 gave slight problems and instead 7315 kHz was used. The latter proved to be the right hoice and till January 1983, 7315 would remain FRS-Holland’s fixed 41 mb frequency. Unique was a letter from Jerez de la Frontera in the southern part of Spain, more than 1700 kilometres from the transmitting location. It’s also interesting to know that people from the Eastern Bloc were very keen to pick […] - [1980- 1989](https://frsholland.nl/1980-1989-2/): In this category you will find the year by year menu 1980- 1989. Clicking on any year will show its complete history including all ins and out : text pages, pdf files, illustrations & audio archive recordings (mp3). - [2020- present](https://frsholland.nl/2020-present/): In this category you will find the year by year menu 2020- present. Clicking on any year will show its complete history including all ins and out : text pages, pdf files, illustrations & audio archive recordings (mp3). - [2010- 2019](https://frsholland.nl/2010-2019/): In this category you will find the year by year menu 2000- 2019. Clicking on any year will show its complete history including all ins and out : text pages, pdf files, illustrations & audio archive recordings (mp3). - [2000- 2009](https://frsholland.nl/2000-2009/): In this category you will find the year by year menu 2000- 2001. Clicking on any year will show its complete history including all ins and out : text pages, pdf files, illustrations & audio archive recordings (mp3). - [1990- 1999](https://frsholland.nl/1990-1999/): In this category you will find the year by year menu 1990- 1999. Clicking on any year will show its complete history including all ins and out : text pages, pdf files, illustrations & audio archive recordings (mp3). - [FRS Image Gallery](https://frsholland.nl/image-gallery/): This gallery shows scans/ photos of various FRSH related objects. For instance photos from our recording studios past & present….the complete QSL card collection including our complete broadcasting years starting in August 1980…transmitters….and much much more. We have tried to get the best possible quality but in some cases it was very difficult to achieve. If you have any image which could be of interest for our website, make sure to send it digitally (or otherwise via the good old post) to frs@frsholland.nl. For instance we are interested in scans from QSLs we forwarded to listeners (perhaps you!), in particular the backside of the QSL (with name, frequency, date […] - [Listeners](https://frsholland.nl/listeners/): Under the title ‘Listeners’ we feature two items: * Listeners’ Memories* Copies/ scans of QSL cards that were kindly sent to listeners at some point and later (in many cases) returned as digital copies to be included in our ‘Listeners’ QSL overview.’ If you are a (regular) FRS-Holland listener and would like to share some of your memories, be welcome! In the course of the years quite a number of new listeners have been tuning our way. Why not join the ones who already shared their memories. By reading the contributions of others, you quickly get an idea of what […] - [Fact Files](https://frsholland.nl/fact-files/) - [General Info](https://frsholland.nl/general-info/) - [Presenters](https://frsholland.nl/presenters/): In the course of the years many International presenters have been active on the Free Radio Service Holland. Short wave radio is International radio crossing many borders. For that reason FRS has always offered an International Service with presenters from the Netherlands, The UK and Germany. Quite natural: FRS is a Dutch station primarily broadcasting in English but also having a German Service because of the large German DXing audience tuning. The ‘Presenters’ menu-item offers an overview of both former & present presenters as well as separate items in memory of Joop ter Zee and Tom Taylor (aka Barry Stephens). [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)