
Today, Explained Radio, someone still loves you
Mar 11, 2022
D.W. Stupples, a Professor of electronic and radio engineering, dives into the revival of shortwave radio amid crises in Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the BBC's decision to restart these broadcasts to tackle censorship and misinformation. Stupples highlights the enduring power of HF radios, particularly in areas with limited internet access. The conversation also touches on the historical role of shortwave in Cold War espionage, showcasing how it served both as a tool for coded communication and a platform for truth during propaganda wars.
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Shortwave's Global Reach
- Shortwave radio transmissions bounce off the ionosphere, enabling global reach.
- Unlike medium wave, shortwave maintains power over long distances, making it ideal for international broadcasts.
Radio Accessibility
- People in Ukraine and Russia likely have radios due to limited internet access, especially in remote areas.
- Shortwave radios can receive broadcasts on multiple bands, including medium wave, high frequency (shortwave), and VHF.
Marconi's Legacy
- Guglielmo Marconi pioneered practical long-range radio transmissions around the turn of the 20th century.
- His first transmission was from the UK to Newfoundland, quickly leading to the development of Morse code radios.
