Shortwave Follow-up: Why the BBC’s Service Matters

 

On March 25, 2022 Rand published an article “Why the BBC World Service’s New Ukrainian Shortwave Service Matters” (see: https://bit.ly/3LPiFd4, which is also a photo source).

 

One of the reasons I think shortwave is under-rated is because most everyone else is focused on Social Media. While Social Media is important, it is not the be all and end all for communications and influence operations.

 

Social Media depends on Internet access. Remarkably (or perhaps intentionally) the Ukraine’s Internet remains intact at least as of 1540 Pacific Time on 7 April. For some background, check out this article: “Why is Ukraine’s Internet Still Up? Perhaps Because the Invaders Need It: at https://bit.ly/3NV92eH (another photo source)

 

However, it is abundantly clear that Russia has destroyed other aspects of the Ukrainian infrastructure and will do so when they feel it is in their bests interests. Destruction of infrastructure renders the internet impotent.

 Shortwave on the other hand, requires no major infrastructure and has proven its resiliency in times of disaster, peace and conflict.

The nub is that people have to want to listen and they need to know what frequencies to tune in and when to do so.

 

The BBC has a hard earned brand reputation and is no doubt proving to be an information lifeline.

 

The article concludes with a call to action: “Perhaps it's time for the United States to consider whether RFE/RL should return to its roots and follow the BBC's lead in restarting shortwave services to Ukraine and southeastern Russia.”

 

I would offer one of my one – should PSYOP get in the shortwave game? If so, would it make sense to specialize in a particular audience – say reinforcing the morale of those opposing the Russian invasion?

 

Reader input eagerly awaited.