SW Broadcast

The Shortwave Broadcasting

Shortwave broadcasting (SW BC) is a form of radio transmission that uses shortwave frequencies (roughly 1.6 to 30 MHz) to carry signals over long distances, often across continents. It has played a crucial role in global communication, especially in news dissemination, propaganda, and cultural exchange.

An old working AEG tube radio

Origins and early growth

Shortwave broadcasting emerged in the 1920s, following experiments with high-frequency radio waves. Unlike AM and FM, which are limited in range, shortwave signals can travel thousands of miles by bouncing off the Earth’s ionosphere, a phenomenon known as skywave propagation. The first major international shortwave broadcasts began in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with countries like the UK, the Soviet Union, and the United States using it to reach overseas audiences.

Golden age of shortwave broadcasting

Shortwave radio reached its peak during the mid-20th century, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. Governments worldwide used it extensively for propaganda, intelligence, and news. The BBC World Service, Voice of America (VOA), Radio Moscow, and Deutsche Welle became household names, shaping global public opinion. During the Cold War, clandestine and state-sponsored stations battled for ideological influence, while many individuals tuned in to hear uncensored news.

“Deutsche Welle” on 6075kHz, Icom IC-706

Here are ten of the most influential shortwave radio stations from the 20th century, along with their descriptions and some of their historical frequencies:

1. BBC World Service (UK)

  • Description: Founded in 1932, the BBC World Service became the most trusted international broadcaster, especially during WWII and the Cold War.
  • Frequencies: 5975 kHz, 6195 kHz, 9410 kHz

2. Voice of America (VOA) (USA)

  • Description: Established in 1942, VOA served as the U.S. government’s voice abroad, broadcasting news, cultural programs, and political messaging.
  • Frequencies: 6080 kHz, 9770 kHz, 15290 kHz

3. Radio Moscow (USSR/Russia)

  • Description: The Soviet Union’s international broadcaster, used for propaganda and news from a communist perspective during the Cold War.
  • Frequencies: 7150 kHz, 12040 kHz, 15425 kHz

4. Deutsche Welle (Germany)

  • Description: Germany’s international broadcaster, launched in 1953, offering news, culture, and German language programs.
  • Frequencies: 6075 kHz, 9545 kHz, 11865 kHz
Sony ICF-2001D receiving Deutsche Welle on 6075 kHz

5. Radio Canada International (RCI) (Canada)

  • Description: Canada’s global radio service, active from 1945 until its shutdown in 2012, providing news and cultural programming.
  • Frequencies: 5960 kHz, 9755 kHz, 15325 kHz

6. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (USA)

  • Description: Founded in the early 1950s to broadcast Western news into Soviet-controlled countries, challenging communist regimes.
  • Frequencies: 6115 kHz, 9535 kHz, 11930 kHz

7. Radio Peking (China)

  • Description: Now known as China Radio International (CRI), it was the primary voice of Communist China to the world from the 1940s onward.
  • Frequencies: 6805 kHz, 11600 kHz, 15250 kHz

8. Radio Netherlands Worldwide (Netherlands)

  • Description: Founded in 1947, it was a well-respected shortwave station, known for independent journalism until its closure in 2012.
  • Frequencies: 6020 kHz, 9895 kHz, 15315 kHz

9. Radio Australia

  • Description: The international broadcasting arm of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), influential across the Pacific and Asia.
  • Frequencies: 5995 kHz, 9580 kHz, 15240 kHz

10. All India Radio (AIR) (India)

  • Description: India’s state broadcaster used shortwave to reach rural and international audiences with news and cultural programs.
  • Frequencies: 5010 kHz, 7410 kHz, 11620 kHz

These stations played key roles in shaping public opinion, diplomacy, and information warfare throughout the 20th century.

An old shortwave receiver 9R-59

Shortwave BC today

With the advent of television, satellite communication, and, later, the internet, shortwave broadcasting began to decline in the late 20th century. Many major broadcasters, such as Radio Canada International and Radio Netherlands, shut down their shortwave services due to high operating costs and shrinking audiences. Digital platforms and FM relays replaced shortwave in many regions, making it less critical for global communication.

Decline in popularity

Despite its decline, shortwave is still used by international broadcasters like the BBC, China Radio International, and religious or independent stations targeting remote areas with limited internet access. It remains valuable in times of crisis, as shortwave signals can penetrate areas affected by censorship, conflict, or natural disasters. Amateur radio enthusiasts and certain emergency services also continue to use shortwave for communication.

Though its influence has diminished, shortwave broadcasting remains a resilient and valuable tool in global communication. It continues to serve as a voice for international news, emergency information, and free speech, ensuring its relevance in the digital age.

Restarting in the last years

In the last five to six years, new shortwave radio broadcasters have emerged, and existing stations have expanded their reach to serve diverse audiences. Independent broadcasters like Shortwave Gold (Germany) and WRMI Legends (USA) have begun transmitting, offering music, talk shows, and alternative news. Stations such as Radio Northern Europe International (RNEI) focus on cultural programming, including modern music from Scandinavia. Many of these broadcasters lease airtime on established transmission sites like WRMI in Florida or Channel 292 in Germany, allowing independent voices to reach a global audience without the need for costly infrastructure. This model has made it easier for new content creators to enter the shortwave space, keeping the medium relevant despite the rise of digital platforms.

Additionally, some traditional broadcasters have returned or strengthened their shortwave presence due to geopolitical events and censorship concerns. The BBC World Service and Voice of America (VOA) have resumed or increased broadcasts to regions with restricted internet access, such as Russia, Ukraine, and parts of Africa. Religious broadcasters, such as Radio Pushka and Encore Classical Radio, have also expanded, targeting niche audiences with unique programming. While some government-backed international stations have reduced their shortwave services, private and community-driven initiatives continue to grow, proving that shortwave radio remains a valuable tool for free speech, cultural exchange, and independent journalism.