The Briefing How Iranians are receiving information during a brutal crackdown on protests
Jan 27, 2026
Rienike van Zanten, interim director who helps exiled media bypass censorship, explains why Radio Zamané returned to shortwave and how they set up broadcasts fast. Carlotta Rebello, concise newsreader, delivers rapid headlines. Anita Menderada, aviation strategist, discusses Boeing’s culture and recovery. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Brazil specialist, covers crime, pop culture resurgences and sports prospects.
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Rapid Return To Shortwave Broadcasting
- Radio Zamané rapidly reverted to shortwave after Iran's severe internet blackout, securing a frequency within days to resume broadcasts.
- Rienike van Zanten described the frantic effort and network of helpers that made the quick shortwave return possible.
Shortwave's Strategic Reach
- Shortwave reaches far and is hard for regimes to jam, making it effective during internet shutdowns.
- Radio Zamané targets Tehran and can reach across Iran, later linking broadcasts to online platforms when connectivity returns.
Combine Channels And Prepare Ahead
- Use a multimedia strategy: pair shortwave broadcasts with streaming and web content so messages persist when the internet returns.
- Prepare circumvention tools before crises so they work immediately when censorship escalates.
