Radio Silence: The Dangers of Phasing Out Shortwave Broadcasts 

Written By Sophia Warby

Radio broadcasting, particularly shortwave radio, has historically been a vital medium for disseminating information across vast distances, including remote and rural areas but in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in radio listenership and a significant reduction in shortwave broadcasts. This trend poses potential risks, especially around the accessibility of information in rural populations and increased susceptibility to propaganda and censorship.  

Accessibility in Rural Populations 

One of the primary concerns with the decline of shortwave radio is the impact on rural populations. Despite the global proliferation of the internet, significant portions of the world still lack reliable internet access. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU, 2021), approximately 37% of the global population remains unconnected to the Internet, with the majority residing in rural and underdeveloped regions. Shortwave radio has traditionally served as a crucial information source for these communities, offering news, educational content, and emergency broadcasts. 

The reduction in shortwave services deprives these populations of a reliable information source, potentially leaving them isolated. This isolation can be particularly detrimental in times of crisis when timely and accurate information is vital. For example, during natural disasters, political upheavals, or health emergencies, shortwave broadcasts can deliver critical information when other communication infrastructures fail or are deliberately disrupted (Kivikuru, 2015). 

Susceptibility to Propaganda, Misinformation, and Censorship 

A significant risk associated with the decline of shortwave radio is the increased vulnerability to propaganda, mis/disinformation, and censorship. Shortwave radio is particularly resistant to censorship due to its inherent properties. Unlike the internet and mobile networks, which rely on infrastructure that can be controlled or shut down, shortwave radio signals can travel long distances and are difficult to jam effectively. This makes it an invaluable tool for disseminating uncensored information in regions with heavy media controls. 

For instance, in North Korea, the government tightly controls all media and internet access, severely limiting the flow of information to its citizens. Shortwave radio has been one of the few channels through which North Koreans could access uncensored information from the outside world (Jackson, 2020). Similarly, in Iran, the government has been known to block access to various internet services during periods of political unrest, making shortwave radio a critical alternative for disseminating information (Arjomand, 2018). In the context of geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, shortwave radio has proven to be an indispensable medium. The BBC, for instance, revived its shortwave broadcasts to Russia and Ukraine to circumvent Russian government censorship of Western media websites.  

The decline in shortwave broadcasts means that populations in areas like these are more likely to be exposed to state-controlled narratives without the counterbalance of independent news sources. This situation can lead to an environment where misinformation and propaganda can flourish unchecked.  

The Case of BBC World Service 

The BBC World Service's reduction in shortwave broadcasts serves as an example of this trend. Once renowned for its extensive shortwave reach, the BBC has shifted its focus towards digital platforms, arguing that these platforms align better with contemporary audience preferences (BBC Media Centre, 2020). In 2020, the BBC World Service announced cuts to its shortwave broadcasts aimed at saving £15 million. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in shortwave broadcasts, with many services moving online. This shift overlooks the fact that many regions that relied on the BBC's shortwave service now have limited access to its content. Specifically, there has been a significant reduction in the number of hours of shortwave broadcasts in the past year, further alienating listeners in remote areas who depend on these programs for reliable news and information. 

Illiteracy and Information Accessibility 

Illiteracy further complicates the issue of information accessibility. According to UNESCO (2020), approximately 773 million adults worldwide are illiterate, with the highest rates in South Asia, West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. For these individuals, audio-based media like radio is essential for receiving information. The decline in shortwave broadcasts exacerbates the information gap, leaving illiterate populations with even fewer resources to stay informed. 

Russia's Use of Shortwave Radio Broadcasting 

Unlike the ‘West’ Russia has significantly increased its global shortwave radio broadcasting efforts as part of its broader strategy to influence international perceptions and counter Western narratives. Russia's renewed focus on shortwave radio is evident in its efforts to reach Latin American, African, and Middle Eastern audiences, often filling the void left by Western broadcasters that have scaled back their shortwave services. This strategic use of shortwave radio allows Russia to spread its narratives and influence public opinion in regions where alternative information sources are scarce (Radio World, Atlantic Council). 

Balancing the Benefits and Risks 

While the rise of digital media presents numerous advantages, such as greater interactivity, more diverse content, and faster dissemination of information, it is crucial to address the digital divide. The anticipated increase in global internet penetration offers hope for bridging this divide, but the current disparities highlight the need for a multifaceted approach. This approach should include maintaining shortwave broadcasts to ensure information accessibility for all, particularly those in rural and underdeveloped areas until digital infrastructure and literacy levels sufficiently improve. 

And so what? This burgeoning gap in reliable information channels presents both an urgent challenge and an opportunity for Civil Society and International Donors. Recognising and addressing this widening gap allows practitioners to strategically counter the threat of malign information. If the West is lagging in the information war, it is crucial to maintain control in areas like radio, where historical trust remains strong. By sustaining and supporting shortwave broadcasts, organisations and governments can employ a guerrilla-style approach to information warfare that is resilient, effective, and cost-efficient. This strategy not only ensures continued access to independent information but also empowers vulnerable populations to resist disinformation and propaganda.  

References 

  • Arjomand, S. (2018). Media control in Iran: The role of the internet and shortwave radio. Journal of Communication Studies, 42(3), 67-85. 

  • BBC Media Centre. (2020). BBC World Service announces changes to shortwave broadcasts. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre 

  • Fung, E. (2020). Media censorship during the Hong Kong protests. Asian Journal of Media Studies, 15(4), 198-214. 

  • GSMA. (2021). The Mobile Economy 2021. Retrieved from https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/ 

  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2021). Measuring digital development: Facts and figures 2021. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Pages/facts 

  • Jackson, P. (2020). The role of shortwave radio in countering propaganda. Journal of Media Studies, 34(2), 112-129. 

  • Kivikuru, U. (2015). Radio and rural development: The impact of radio in times of crisis. Communication Research and Practice, 1(1), 45-59. 

  • Nelson, C. (2017). The decline of shortwave radio and the rise of digital media. Global Media Journal, 15(28), 56-75. 


Sophia Warby
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