Early Decades

• During the early 1920s, inventor Guglielmo Marconi and other radio pioneers first began experimenting with trans-Atlantic broadcasting. On the evening of March 11, 1927, international radio had its real beginning when a short-wave transmitter operated by Philips Laboratories of Eindhoven, Netherlands, beamed a broadcast to Dutch Indonesia. On that night, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, one of the most influential international services in the world, was born. Six years later, the BBC began its World Service, which proved itself indispensable for broadcasting vital information into occupied Europe during World War ll.
  
  

The Cold War

• The end of World War ll opened a new era in international politics. Once again, world band radio, through broadcasts by the BBC World Service, the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and other such organizations, beamed information behind the so-called Iron Curtain where media censorship was the order of the day. In response, the Soviet Union and other communist nations transmitted their own propaganda back to the west by means of short-wave stations such as Radio Moscow. As with most such broadcasts, information was usually dispensed in multiple languages.
  
  

Specifics

• World band radio signals operate on frequencies that lie between those utilized by standard AM and FM radio stations and are found between 3000 Khz (Kilohertz) and 30000 Khz on a short-wave radio or receiver. Unlike standard broadcasting stations, these continually change frequencies, often on the same night. Some operate with a power output of up to 1,000,000 watts in order to beam signals all over the world through a process by which radio waves are skipped across the globe by bouncing them in the atmosphere. The prime time for listening to short wave is during the evening when stations beam their broadcasts into areas believed to have the best reception.
  
  

Choosing a Radio

• When choosing your first short-wave radio, it might be wise to avoid the cheaper models. Higher-rated moderately-priced units are recommended as a better choice. Radios with a frequency digital display are a good idea since they make it easier to find stations currently broadcasting. Portables with telescopic antennas work reasonably well; their ability to pull in weaker signals can be enhanced by clipping several yards of insulated wire to to the antenna. Radios with a range of 4750 to 21850 Khz will provide for a wide range of potential station selections.
  
  

Considerations

• Due to financial concerns and the ever-growing popularity of the Internet, with its potential for web casting, it appears that world-band radio is fast becoming a thing of the past. Many former short-wave broadcasting operations have already shut down and it is likely that the trend is going to continue. For those interested in opening a window to the past, now would be a good time enjoy short-wave radio. Do it now, before it fades into history.