Sit Locally, Listen Globally

Shortwave radio signals bounce off of the atmosphere, enabling them to traverse vast distances – and then, in at least some cases, onto the internet. For those without the time or equipment to cull through the world's shortwave radio options, the online Shortwave Report offers a free, convenient way to stay on top of some of them. Each program is 30 minutes long, covers four or so segments from around the world, and is available as a mono MP3.

The selections miss out on many areas of the world, and the range of programming shows a certain, shall we say, editorial direction. But the show provides an easy, efficient way to hear national radio from countries whose take on international affairs we don't often hear: China Radio International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia.

And weirdly enough, the whole operation runs on solar power.

The Shortwave Report It's the work of Dan Roberts, who produces the show in a solar-powered cabin in Mendicino County, CA:

"[Roberts] runs 65 feet of wire from one end of his house to theother and it is connected to a $1500 shortwave radio which can pick upstations from around the world. Some, like Radio Havana Cuba, are notavailable in the U.S. on the internet or through any other form at all."

During recordings in other languages, an English translation isoverlaid, giving English speakers a way to hear news from all over theglobe without having language skills on par with four U.N.translators. Rebroadcasting is strongly encouraged as long as you let the ShortwaveReport that it's happening.

A new show goes up every Friday. The latest MP3 features "stories from China Radio International, RadioNetherlands, Radio Havana Cuba, and the Voice of Russia."

• "FromCHINA- Iran's leader agrees to hold talks with the US concerningstabilizing the political situation in Iraq, but will not compromise onIran's peaceful nuclear development. In Spain, the Basque separatistgroup ETA announced a permanent cease-fire, in order to promote ademocratic process to achieve their goals. Then a review on the thirdanniversary of the US occupation of Iraq.
• From NETHERLANDS- Allinternational broadcasters had special features on the 3rd anniversaryof the US occupation of Iraq- here is a Dutch press review concerningthe war. Then a press review covering the Dutch military presence inAfghanistan.
• From CUBA- First, more international press reviewson the US war on Iraq. Then a Viewpoint on the history and absence ofnuclear weapons in Latin America.
• From RUSSIA- A commentary onthe secret US nuclear weapons hidden in Germany and other nations inEurope and whether their citizens should be informed of the danger.
  Russia severely criticized the new National Security Doctrine announcedin Washington last week. Then a commentary pondering the results of theUS military's 3 year occupation of Iraq."

(image of Dan Roberts' solar-powered cabin from campusprogress.org)