Grundig FR200 Self Powered Emergency Radio AM/FM/SW Yellow

World Band Shortwave Listening

The internet didn’t kill shortwave after all. When global issues start to affect us, the best source for information is shortwave radio. Throughout the world, shortwave continues to be a readily available, affordable means of communication and information. When you listen to shortwave, you not only get a sense of what people in other nations are thinking, but you get access to the thoughts of people from all walks of life — from soldiers, to farmers, to scholars, anybody.

Radio has a far broader reach than the computer. Shortwave requires less power than computers, and people can broadcast and receive shortwave even when there’s no power in the area. Basically, shortwave remains the best source for commercial-free news, world music, and entertainment.

Listening to shortwave is almost like traveling to the country you’ve tuned in on your radio. But you don’t have to listen to airwaves that traverse the oceans to get the most from shortwave. On a national level, shortwave works even when phone service is down — which can be especially important during a time of national emergency. Ham radio operators, the unsung heroes of emergency communications, use Shortwave Single Sideband to help coordinate aid and pass on vital messages during times of crises.

Shortwave requires learning about new things like receivers, antennas, frequencies and signal propagation. Reception is rarely as good as you will find with a local broadcast radio station, but the rewards for your efforts are immeasurable.