On the Media S2 THE DIVIDED DIAL EPISODE 1: Fishing In The Night
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May 7, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of shortwave radio, a global communication tool with a rich history. Explore its dual nature, from connecting distant voices to becoming a vehicle for propaganda. Uncover how shortwave shaped narratives during WWII, with figures like Axis Sally, and its role in the Cold War through initiatives like Radio Free Europe. Learn about jazz as a diplomatic tool in the U.S. and the evolution of shortwave from a trusted info source to a means for fringe political movements.
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David Gorin's Shortwave Journey
- David Gorin shared his lifelong fascination with shortwave radio that began with a Radio Moscow broadcast in his childhood.
- He uses it today with the Library of Congress to explore global stations, from propaganda to music and religious preaching.
Night AM Radio's Long-Distance Magic
- Nighttime AM radio listeners discovered distant broadcasts due to radio waves bouncing off the ionosphere.
- This phenomenon inspired a fad called "fishing in the night," tuning into faraway voices beyond local reach.
Shortwave Beats AM's Reach
- Amateur radio operators proved shortwave radio signals can reach thousands of miles, not just local distances.
- Shortwave offered round-the-clock long-distance communication unlike AM, thanks to bouncing off the ionosphere.