There are identifiable shortwave broadcast stations in dozens and dozens of countries around the world. Some of the big “powerhouse” stations include broadcasters such as the Voice of America, the BBC World Service, Radio Canada International, Radio Australia, Radio Netherlands, Swiss Radio International, Deutsche Welle, Radio Moscow International, and Radio Japan. Radio South Africa, The Voice of Free China, and many others. One thing you will learn about foreign broadcasts is that not everyone is exactly sympathetic to the United States.

Many religious broadcast networks use the shortwave frequencies. They broadcast their particular messages along with music, commentary, etc., all over the world, and seem to have a very large following. One of the largest and best of these broadcasters is HCJB in Quito, Ecuador. Others include WRNO, WCCR, WYFR Family Radio, and WHRI. Other broadcasters direct their programming to “patriotic” groups and individuals. There are programs describing how to deal with the predicted economic collapse, how to buy gold and silver, acquiring various items for a survivalist’s stores, and other subjects. Their news coverage and commentary convey a noticeably “conservative” stance. On the other hand, at least one broadcast station works to counter these with their own “liberal” broadcasts. Even the shortwave frequencies are not without some controversy and name-calling.

Scheduled broadcasts in English are made from almost every international station. Broadcast schedules can be obtained from most of the international stations, particularly the larger ones. Most of these broadcasters include their mailing addresses in their programming. Some stations even offer on-air language instruction as a part of their programming As I mentioned, it is possible to listen to events of international importance as they develop, from where they develop. For example, back when Operation Desert Storm began, we had two television sets (tuned to two different networks) and our shortwave radio turned on. The shortwave was tuned to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). After a while, we pretty well abandoned the network TV coverage in favor of the more complete shortwave coverage.

Tags: Radio
Filed under: Communication, Radio