The World - News from July 3, 1987

A fierce wave band dispute between Vatican Radio and four private Rome FM stations has flared into violence with arson attacks against religious targets. The dispute, caused by Vatican Radio’s decision to change its frequencies to conform with an international agreement, has infuriated the private stations, who say their transmissions will be drowned out as a result. The shift puts Vatican Radio on the same frequencies as the four stations, including one operated by the tiny Radical Party. Vatican Radio’s 24-hour stream of prayers, choral music, papal homilies and Masses is broadcast by powerful transmitters in 35 languages around the world.