Information warfare rages in Russia and Ukraine, as conflict continues and escalates in that part of the world. The BBC has announced that it will re-use shortwave to broadcast news not only in Ukraine, but also in several places in Russia.
The BBC News will once again be listenable on shortwave, a radio technology used for 76 years in Europe by the BBC World Service (UK public radio stopped broadcasting on shortwave in 2008). It is the inhabitants of Kiev as well as in several places in Russia, who will be able to connect to it.
Technology worthy of the Cold War
Short frequencies carry sound over long distances, and they are accessible on small portable radios. The broadcast will be available on the 15735 Hz frequency between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on the 5875 Hz frequency from 10 p.m. to midnight. Listeners will be able to listen to information in English.
Shortwaves had their heyday during World War II and the Cold War. Seeing them reused again during a conflict in Europe somewhat chills the blood… Nevertheless, the situation is such that it seemed difficult to do otherwise. Russia has indeed blocked access to BBC websites on its territory, as well as to Radio Liberty and Voice of America stations, both funded by the US government.
The BBC has also recommended that Russian users download its iOS and Android apps, which remain functional. Finally, there is one last way to get information from the BBC in Russia: the group’s site accessible on the Tor network, launched in 2019, is accessible at the address https://www.bbcnewsd73hkzno2ini43t4gblxvycyac5aw4gnv7t2rccijh7745uqd.onion.
Things are getting worse by the hour for independent press coverage in Russia. Most of the Western newsrooms established in the country have announced the cessation of their activity due to the passing of a new law on “fake news”, punishable by penalties of up to 15 years in prison!
