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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 11 June 2008 |
| For a potential listener or programmer, a short course in what shortwave radio is all about, can be helpful. This form of broadcasting has been around a long time, since the very early days of radio. A great portion of the world uses shortwave radio much the same as we use AM and FM here in North America. | A great portion of the world uses shortwave radio much the same as we use AM and FM here in North America. | | While most people think of shortwave as the guy with a bunch of equipment in his basement listening to some barely audible signal, most people listen to shortwave signals on very ordinary-looking portable radios. As a matter of fact, with more than 1.5 BILLION receivers in the world, this makes shortwave the most available form of mass media on the planet...even more than television’s mere one billion! It is not unusual for shortwave signals to travel great distances. | As a matter of fact, with more than 1.5 BILLION receivers in the world, this makes shortwave the most available form of mass media on the planet...even more than television’s mere one billion! | | The WJIE signal broadcasts from the heart of America in Kentucky, and has been heard in over 150 countries around the world. What happens to the signal? Well, when it transmits from the broadcast site, it takes off at an angle pointed to the ionosphere. This layer of atmosphere allows the signal to bounce back to the earth. The signal may then once again bounce from the earth to the sky several times, depending on its strength. Because of this unique feature, someone listening to the station just miles from the broadcast site may not be able to hear the station, but someone else thousands of miles away can! | Because of this unique feature, someone listening to the station just miles from the broadcast site may not be able to hear the station, but someone else thousands of miles away can! | | Shortwave is used by nations all over the world to communicate with their citizens. It can also be used by other countries to broadcast news, entertainment and propaganda. Most people are familiar with the BBC, the Voice of America and others. Missionary organizations such as Trans-World Radio, Far East Broadcasting, and HCJB have effectively used shortwave for decades. The reason is that shortwave signals can often go where no missionary can. Here at WJIE, we believe that shortwave radio is helping us to fulfill The Great Commission. Through shortwave radio, we are literally reaching around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! | Here at WJIE, we believe that shortwave radio is helping us to fulfill The Great Commission. Through shortwave radio, we are literally reaching around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 June 2008 )
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