Terrible Shortwave Radio News.

It's with a heavy heart that I share with you this news. WTWW 5085 and it's sister station have gone silent. Ted and his crew came up short on required funds needed to operate this massive 100KW station located in Lebanon, TN.
I don't know if those powerful transmitters will ever power back up, and it's a tragic loss to the airwaves.
My thoughts are with them.
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[@bhamptonkc7]

I am retired NAVY and I tend to listen to SW stations outside the us hoping to get untainted news. There are not many left.

[@zethcader6478]

@@boblatkey7160 You're saying that to a retired sailor. If the man believes his news is tainted then it probably is.

[@pteppig]

@@boblatkey7160 SW is a nice backup, but news from outside the country with actual video feeds is much better. A picture says more than 1000 words. BUT stations outside the US can be as biased as CNN, NBC , BBC etc, especially those influenced by the state department, like "radio free Europe" or reporters that are members at the "Atlantic Council". Better mix your sources and also focus on local, independent sources

[@sionreesjones5086]

Hi,who would you recommend as unbiased news sources? Thanks.

[@Grandassets]

Me too, I have been a ham Radio Operator for 30+ years, SW is a good source but ya still have to wade through some Bias bullshit too, I even listen to AM broadcast being in Upstate N.Y I can get CHML 900am out of Windsor ON and others many states away ....

[@stephenmorton8017]

i would say that with so many sources of news, folks gravitate to the news they want to hear. the political slant is just part of the channel programming, fishing for an audience. it's all tainted. unless you want to DX airport beacons.

[@5x9withQSB]

I hate hearing about this I'm in Australia and we have lost short wave stations that I grew up with and captured my interest in radio and eventually got me into ham radio, I love the nostalgia and the sound of an AM station, the modern world sucks.

[@tonyv8925]

Back in the late 50's I built my first crystal AM radio. On weekends I would lay on the floor in the livingroom in the wee hours listening to international broadcast stations. Then, in the early 60's I put together my first shortwave receiver, a Knight-kit Star Roamer...hooked the antenna plug to the tv mast guy wire outside my bedroom window and listened into a larger world of shortwave broadcasts. Now days, the spectrum is quiet, I rarely even hear ships at sea anymore because of advanced communication technology, i.e., satellite phones, and space relayed internet. Sigh, I miss the old days...

[@TalonAvex]

This loss hurts! Streaming just isn't the same and the world needs working transmitters.

[@VickyGeagan]

You can still support them by supporting Merlin Communications, Cobra Mist Limited, Premier radio networks, and Over Comer radio networks. These old pirate broadcasters are working hard to preserve the old school style of analog broadcasting along with the transmitters and stations.

[@SamuelBarrPhotography]

Amen!

[@grampsradio]

Why isn't "streaming" the same? How do they differ?

[@rodrigoroaduterte9415]

@@grampsradio, streaming means that your internet operator may easily mute your channel on whichever you want political reason. And absolutely the same is valid on the receiving end. Of course, you may try to use radio wave jammers to prevent radio transmission, but this is WAY more complicated and expensive solution.

[@grampsradio]

@@rodrigoroaduterte9415 True

[@tunercars3]

On November 9, 2022, WTWW announced it would discontinue all shortwave operations, with intent to continue streaming the programming as long as it was feasible. Ted Randall cited a massive increase in transmitter usage fees (the majority of that being from electricity cost) that the station could not realistically pay. The station signed off for the last time that night, with its final programming including a farewell message from Randall encouraging listeners to continue listening to the Web stream, a string of listener requests from WTWW’s automated system, and the final song being a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by one of Randall’s favorite recording artists, Ronnie Milsap.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for sharing this, glad to hear they had a good send off

[@jjjackson5183]

😢

[@Galaxy2517]

I'm sure you know this by design and completely intentional...

[@Nine-Signs]

@@Galaxy2517 Well, not by design, but certainly inevitable. I mean don't get me wrong most American media has ended up in the hands of a few capitalist oligarchs posts Reagans deregulation in 87 and Clintons further deregulation during his tenure but given we, my nation, your nations, and myriad others exist under an economic system that demands all things be privatised and done for profit alone, this was inevitable, as is the very death of any independent forms of small to medium business over time, as the reality is dear American cousins you've been lied to from birth as have we all, as capitalism does not create competition, it creates food for bigger fish and incentivises those bigger fish to destroy smaller fish over time via mergers and acquisitions as nothing is more profitable than monopoly and nothing secures a capitalist oligarchs position more than never ending inflows of dividends extracted from the work of all and given to those handfuls at the top for no work themselves. So like I say, by design, not as such, but inevitable, certainly, due to the rewards and incentives of capitalism itself unto the capitalist minority, who are in fact less than 0.7% of the total US population. Capitalism cares nothing for tradition, for altruism, for community, it cares nothing for anything that from Jesus to a natural mother unto her child ever taught, there is no profit in that.

[@youtubeaccount7544]

Be design and intentional. In the new world where microwaves track everything you do. SW broadcasting won’t exist anymore.

[@markp6594]

Reminds me when Radio Luxembourg went silent on 1440 kHz here in Europe, I am sure they had a transmitter on 49m SW as well, what was left went over to streaming but sadly not the same anymore. Saying that Radio Caroline and on more positive note have managed to up their power on 648 kHz as well as streaming service and managing to survive on small advertising and donations. Maybe something similar could happen to WTWW...

[@walterluffman9718]

Sad to say, the same thing is happening in AM radio, with a slight variation. Sometimes the signals don't go completely dark but they become less valuable and less listenable. Then the owners sell to someone else who makes them even less listenable -- both by changing the programming and by neglecting maintenance. ("Why worry about the transmitter, we're streaming to the entire world, and it's so much cheaper!") Because the Internet is so pervasive, it's easy to forget that it isn't everywhere. Go camping in the wilderness: no Internet. Live far out in the country: no Internet. Live anywhere during a power outage: no Internet. Nearly as bad, and sometimes even worse, an automated or satellite-programming station probably won't have live updates during emergencies. How many people know where, or how, to access emergency information on their smartphones, even if the cellular service is still working? But shortwave is unique because it can bypass both borders and government "official information". HAMS and commercial shortwave stations are able to tell the world about conditions where they are, whether it's a hurricane, earthquake ,flood or war. We need to keep shortwave alive. It's a time to grieve a little, every time a station goes dark.

[@LuisAcosta65]

Sad news indeed. There are so few broadcasting stations out there that are worth listening to, and then another one goes silent. I hope they can come back on air.

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

That's so sad. Something special knowing that what you are listening to is from a transmitter in a place thousands of miles away, and a place so far and remote you are not likely ever to get there and visit. But that signal connects you to it and to all the other listeners everywhere. Streaming is not the same. Cheers.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

It’s true. I can actually live listen to a place that I could never actually afford to see, let alone visit.

[@robertroth618]

It heart my heart to hear WTWW went silent . The signal was hit and miss in my area but kept listening when I could listen.

[@FarpointFarms]

agreed

[@kkristopher7413]

Dang and I just got their shirt. Bummer. We Transmit World Wide.

[@FarpointFarms]

a new collectors item- take good care of it

[@globalswgetter]

I just heard Ted on 9455 WRMI @0023UTC. He announced "We're baaaaaaack!!" and then went into a commercial about HAM radio! This is cool! I guess they went to WRMI!

[@davidsharp3110]

Going to miss that strong signal at 5085. I will still tune in online WTWW. Rock On!

[@RfJones]

Just checked the website. Moving to WRMI. Time and freq. to be announced. They are asking for donations to stay on air. Stay tuned. '73'

[@1234jeffp]

Thanks to Ted, Holly and David for the awesome times on short wave radio. WTWW on 5.085 MHz AM brought our shortwave receivers to life!! With Big Jim Edwards, Steve Hunter, Steve Lawrence and all the rest of the great DJ’s along with the great music it was just hard to beat. Saturdays were great with the QSO show, lots of very interesting guests and just interesting content. The station was so welcoming to SWL listeners, amateur radio operators and anyone who just truly enjoyed the sound of short wave radio over the air. Nothing better than putting in your song request, kicking back and listening to your favorite tune being played over the airwaves and being heard through your home brew short wave receiver, just the BEST! Thanks again for the magic of radio, it was spectacular!!

[@FarpointFarms]

it is so sad, I am glad that their memories can live on

[@lestergillis8171]

@@FarpointFarms Wasn't their transmitter site near "Frisco, TX"?🤔

[@andyhowlett2231]

AM radio over here in the UK is dying. The BBC is closing down many of its locals and converting the remaining ones to 'regional' ones, all carrying the same output. Independent AM's are also deserting the airwaves too - there's one that used to use four big masts at a site about 2 miles from here on 1152 kHz now silent. I hate listening to 'radio' online, it has no atmosphere. And the thrill of hearing a rarely-heard distant one through the noise will be gone forever.

[@jonsymmonds1120]

I have known Ted for years through his R.F. work. He and I talked many times over the years. He was so good with grounded grid transmitters. I worked with his advise when Bernie Wise passed away. I thank you for sharing!

[@davidxbeats]

this is happening to AM radio as well. it just cost too much money to keep them operating and that old technology just doesn't generate enough listenership and ad revenue to pay the bills.

[@adeptpeasant6161]

RIP Bill Cooper

[@mrflashport]

This is just the reality that OTA radio, whether it be FM, AM or SW, is too costly to rely on ad revenue alone. Mega corporations like I Fart Radio and Audacy can hide the losses for a few more years, but streaming killed the radio star. It's sad indeed to see those like WTWW go dark but as you pointed out, it costs tremendously to keep the lights (and transmitters) on.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Yes but it’s dangerous to continue to control it through the internet. Internet can be controlled and ultimately shut down. Radio crosses borders. RADIO and not internet is the future. Want control?!? And Glenn Hauser said it best: iHeart is where radio goes to die. Or at least get put on life support. Audacy is just a clone. And the internet did NOT kill the radio. The FCC is doing that itself by not having regulations on “noise control”. Because the noise of every single electronic device in your house cuts down the signal of any station that you hear.

[@DXingSlovenija]

It always was expensive to run the transmitter, but somehow cost shifted from the station owner to the consumer (if you dont pay to your ISP every month, you have no internet -> you cannot listen to anything) Also it seams radio stations dont make as much money as they used to

[@jfv65]

@@DXingSlovenija in the past there wasn't much media beyond newspaper, TV and radio. Now we are spoiled for choice on the internet. So radio use suffers. Cars have long been the last holdout for radio. You would listen to the radio while commuting to and from work. But in modern cars you can stay connected to the internet so you can listen to podcasts, Spotify, digital 'radio' stations, whatever audio streaming service is available. Because of this DAB+ (digital broadcast radio) has never really taken off as far as i know. IMO it's already obselete. Internet connectivity is where it's at. And in future you will be able to float on your boat in the middle of the ocean or hike through the outback or Sahara desert and still have perfect internet connection through a service like Starlink.

[@Barracuda48082]

A presidents wage runs the station..adding a bit extra for other unforseen issues

[@Barracuda48082]

Figure that, not everone has internet access by cable] but radio goes everywhere, smonsors can be worldwide.

[@kennethbates9689]

Hey Eric. This is Ken N9NYV met the crew at the Huntsville hamfest. Extremely talented and quite a top-notch operation. Hopefully there may be some type of Resurrection.

[@FarpointFarms]

I am hoping for that as well, they were a great crew

[@eskieguy9355]

People forget that, when a SHTF situation occurs, there won't be streaming, digital radio doesn't have the coverage, we will be screwed for communication.

[@jakebrakebill]

can't help but think it's by design

[@andrewtheeditor8176]

Sorry to hear that. I got a Pl-660 recently and came across of a few stations. Some stream online too and it's just not the same. The static/transmission has something you can't quite replicate online.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Streaming is fine but the internet can ultimately be controlled. Radio crosses borders. Shortwave works best for certain applications. Love listening to Radio New Zealand among others. Just online you can get various active shortwave stations such as RRI Romania and BBC Worldservice. But you’re right it’s not like a real AM radio sound. At the end of the day I would rather have a real radio but still enjoy these stations. Listen to Glenn Hauser’s World Of Radio and other shortwave radio programmes for more information about this topic. There’s more going on with WTWW than you think and it’s not about the music. The International Radio Report on KZbin is another excellent source for further information on this important development on this station. Yes, there’s much more going on at ‘TWW than you think.

[@andrew8293]

I just got a $20 Retekees pocket radio with a recording feature. I got a clear signal from my house one day and I did a recording. I feel lucky to have a recording of this great station. My recording is of 9940 WTWW. It was nice to hear something that was not in Spanish or religious. It will be missed.

[@marjla]

Just wait until all communications are cut off.Its their plan.

[@FarpointFarms]

let's hope that never happens

[@erichansen7377]

All we will have left will be Amerikan Pravda....gov propaganda.

[@ricka47]

I became an SWL in 1966 and then got my ham license in 1968. The bands were alive and fun then and well into the 1970s and 1980s. I don't listen to SW any longer, as the thrill of logging that new one just isn't there now. But, ham radio continues to be lively although it has changed as well in some good and not-so-good ways - Rick, KQ4Y

[@garth849]

Thank you, and I'm also deeply saddened. I have been wondering for several days why I couldn't get them, just thought it might be transmitter trouble or just reception issues. WTWW was my go-to station for listening at bedtime and I'm sorry to see them go the way of so many shortwave broadcasts, it makes me feel guilty for not contributing to their station. They were the Best!! GBD

[@edkretchmer2167]

Really sorry to hear that. It was good to take a break working HF at night and tune to WTWW to listen to some tunes.

[@FarpointFarms]

many people are going to miss them

[@pixelpusher8986]

I just found WTWW a week ago. Loved their format. Shared it with my friends. Ugh. Sad.

[@neveraballfe8253]

Thank you for the update I wondered why I wasn't getting it

[@WA4OSH]

Sad to hear. Coverage in Washington State was spotty sometimes, so I've been listening to the Big One 5085 online mostly. I really like the all request oldies format. But most of all, I enjoy the HAM radio features and advertisers. I've bought equipment from many of the sponsors.

[@claudiomoles]

I share my thoughts with you, besides all SW stations reach worldwide, it is not easy for dictator government to completely block the signals. I am Brazilian and I remember, back in my teens in the 70's when I started learning English, I used to listen every night SW Voice of America, BBC and Deutsch Welle (in English) to improve the language understanding and get news from around the world, with all the statics, fading and signal disappearing during solar activities. Today I do not have a SW anymore, but I miss the freedom of listening to it. Streams do a great job, But with a press of a button it can be blocked Nation wide. Good work!

[@twoheart7813]

That station is my fav station, loved their music & message. Just found them a few weeks ago & this is very sad news.

[@closeoutsaleusa5322]

My favorite shortwave station. This is a heartbreak. Not many stations on the shortwave out there now. I guess we should go pirate with some modified ham gear.

[@bkrgi]

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tune into 9395 WTWW is back Just announced that WTWW will live on via one of the WRMI transmitters. CB Radio has been going crazy with a lot of activity so be cool to see more SW

[@neilk.9041]

Sad. I recently got a shortwave radio. Inspired by your channel.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Again-this hobby is always in flux. You just got to kind of roll with this. Stations always come up and go out all the time. Lots of times my favourite thing to search for are these “pirate” broadcasts above the 49 metre band. Before there was ‘TWW there was WRNO and Superpower KUSW. Shortwave radio is dynamic and the entire bands should be searched through every day for “surprises”. Found several of these. Always a great show.

[@herrkrickmeyer9718]

Do you think there will be always something to listen to in the shortwaves? I know we have the hams etc, but I wish some new stations would pop up. Even if there were ten of them, they could each transmit on a different frequency for a couple hours a day

[@brucefrazier9051]

My tiny grundig yachtboy could pick them up on occasion here in the Mo Ozarks and it was always pleasure to listen. I learned their fate only a few days ago. Thanks folks for all of the effort.

[@cordelmar]

Yea I've listen to short wave since the 70s, but every time I think of buying a short wave system, this happens, less and less stations to listen to.

[@FarpointFarms]

it is a shame

[@robertrockwell7581]

sad that we are loosing so many of these stations. love short wave. and like you I hate it.

[@AMStationEngineer]

WTWW was one of my customers, they had a xmtr which ate tetrodes, nice people, who loved what they did! Hearing rumblings that tube manufacturing is in the offing for the USA....

[@Lunar_Capital]

I’ve been into shortwave for about 8 years now. I’ve been up and down the whole spectrum of SW many many times. How did I overlook this station??? Today i learn about this station and i find out it doesn’t exist anymore :/

[@HNXMedia]

This sucks. I listened to WTWW all the time. Not happy about this at all.

[@FarpointFarms]

there are many disappointed listeners out there, I am one of them

[@dougkoudelka3089]

That really sucks. I will miss hearing them on the shortwave.

[@DJPhantomRage]

Radio is going to die from being a corporate monster. At one time local stations used to broadcast, and it was possible for someone to build a station for their community. Then greed took hold, and that has killed broadcasting as we know it. The small owners and family's who keep the stations on the air and being driven out.

[@tomm7096]

So… what is going to happen to the transmitters and antenna complex? Potential buyers etc..?

[@w8lvradio]

WRMI Legends (Ted Randall & Co.) Is back on the air on WRMI !!! 5:00-6:00 pm Eastern Time daily on 9395 kHz 6:00-7:00 pm ET daily on 5950 kHz 6:00-11:00 pm ET daily on 9455 kHz 9:00-10:00 pm ET Saturday on 5850 kHz

[@davidg4081]

Good morning Erik.Def sad news when a SW station closes down.At leaat there is the stream ,but not the same.Hope you& Jen have a great day,David aka David G

[@RobbieStrike]

Sad news, I wished they will be around for the day the Internet stops working!

[@roguedolphin]

So sorry to hear this. We need all the shortwave we can get.

[@tigerelectronics5966]

I heard it here in Sweden. I was wondering what happened to them :( so sorry to hear that they went dark. Hopefully they'll warm up their transmitters again for us one day, even if just for a day or two.

[@orourkeda]

I heard it here in Ireland too. Sad news to hear.

[@GunsandGuava]

Info Wars ✊ and Art Bell was Amazing my dad listened to him all the time and I look up a lot of his old shows and listen sometimes, makes me feel close to dad since he passed. But here lately I’ve got into surfing, shortwave radio and just recently got into GMRS. It is a very awesome community. I am very happy to join this week.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad to have you here!

[@jml11158]

Just hope WRMI can still keep their lights on, loved WTWW, it's just a blank spot on the ole sw receiver now.

[@prestongaylor1232]

We were so unfortunate. We got the news earlier for our radio podcast. We’re thankful that they brought the station back in a new realm but still WTWW was one of the first teeth and that is covered when I got my new shortwave radio for Christmas back in 2021. 0:40

[@FarpointFarms]

I still miss the original signal from WTWW. I'm happy they are back on the air, but it's one less US station on the air.

[@richeastmain4031]

I’m glad you were able to tour their site when you did, it was very interesting. Sad that they had to shut down. Maybe we should check with the guy who won the 2 billion from Powerball. Just a thought.

[@FarpointFarms]

if I had won it, I would have so bought it

[@dffabryr]

Is sad, but true, is really difficult to stay on air at that monthly cost but maybe they can try switching to a 1 KW transmitter ... I'm sure many folks will be happy to help through Patreon, Paypal etc.

[@Ampelmannchen42]

It's a real shame nobody could source them some funding. Another good channel gone dark forever.

[@FarpointFarms]

the cost per month for power bill made it not worth it. It is a shame

[@ChristianAmericaMinistries]

WTWW is back up and running on 5085 after 6PM central

[@FarpointFarms]

good to know that.!

[@Lee_Adamson_OCF]

Yeah, it makes me sad. That was the best shortwave station still left. :( I hope they can make it streaming online. Maybe I'll bodge up a little 1/4 watt AM transmitter and hook it up to the stream so I can still tune in on my old radios.

[@hestheMaster]

Streaming still active as of now.

[@FarpointFarms]

they are still streaming but not broadcasting over the air

[@Dazzwidd]

do at least 20W 😆 Actually that's funny. Imagine if people all over the world put up half decent antennas and transmitted the internet stream on shortwave anyway hahahaha

[@rallyden]

I'm sure it's already discussed, but I'd be great if they can broadcast just Fri and Saturdays/part time.

[@vinto34]

I can remember in the early 80s my uncle bought a Panasonic DR22 radio. All 6 shortwave stations were loaded with content on it. Still have the same radio but sadly shortwave has fallen silent.

[@kookamunga2458]

I like the sound of a channel fading in and out on a shortwave radio. There are also weird sounds coming from outerspace . The military were at one time on the shortwave frequencies and also jamming them .

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree!

[@RVRebelGirl]

sad the struggle is so real. my son has a station in the suburbs of Chicago, WCKG 1530am/102.3 FM for ov er 10 years. I dont always comment but I watch your videos as I a a Nomad Traveler and I encourage people on my channel to put a CB in their rigs for safety etc. Thanks for your information.

[@FarpointFarms]

I certainly remember and follow you as well! I hope to follow in your footsteps when I retire. I had no idea your son ran a station. I will certainly look it up and give it a listen if he streams it as well. I love AM radio and have looked on and off for years trying to get a station of my own, but it appears the era of radio is coming to a close. Take care!

[@RVRebelGirl]

@@FarpointFarms yes he owns the station. yes it also streams it is a sunrise to sunset broadcast he features The Dave Ramsey Show weekdays 4p-7p happy holidays

[@depluribusunum3128]

I miss WLO teletype feed for pirate warnings.

[@simonegrazioli]

yeah it's awful, I live in italy and the 11th of september this year they shut off every RAI stations on the medium waves (rai is like the bbc but italian)

[@FarpointFarms]

that is a shame and a disgrace.

[@j3157]

Sad to hear that so many shortwave stations are going off the air.

[@FarpointFarms]

it is, Advertising just does not cover all the bills anymore. The power bill alone for some are over $15k a month.

[@Dazzwidd]

These days the solution would be to Start a KZbin channel with a massive following and use SOME of the finds to keep that radio station funded! I am sorry I'm not one of these such successful individuals or I would unconditionally pump funds into the cause

[@rfarnum5183]

As a new technician I was unaware of “WTWW and sister station”. Can you provide links to other shortwave stations that are active today?

[@edyoung6573]

That is sad!!! My Grundig 800 bit the dust a few months ago! Will not power on, Batteries or AC. Can't find any local shops that I can bring it to. I have it just sitting on my radio shelf. The "hobby" is slowly going away, it's been like that for years now sadly.

[@calvinlong1265]

So sorry to hear about this. 😥

[@Dipperdap1]

Its a sad day in sw listening. I've listened to them for years also. Being on the web is just nit the same. The thrill of listening on the sw is part of the experience.

[@jml11158]

Agreed, that streaming online BS is way over rated.

[@j7ndominica051]

I somehow missed this station. I wonder if they could have downsized as the first step. With so much free space on shortwave, someone must have thought of extending the bandwidth for hi-fi.

[@FarpointFarms]

I wish they would put some effort into those bands. We could all benefit from it.

[@OdisseuBR]

I'm not a listener but I always feel bad about that kind of news. It's sad knowing a whole life dream or mission has to end in such a bad way. Let's hope it is a hiatus and not a real good bye. Bless everyone.

[@l.a.2646]

That is sad. It's really the raw expenses that is the Achilles heel for shortwave stations. Not only that but the upkeep of the gear. For us longtime radio hobbyists it's just another huge loss, look at all of the great stations that have gone silent in the past 20/30 years. Not only American/ Canadian stations but throughout Europe and South America as well. As a long time ham I am really happy to have folks join our ranks, I wish I could get more youth involved, our generation Gen X we're pretty much the end of radio hobbyists. I wish that would change.

[@dxfordummies]

Im a 36 year old General Class. Im trying to get my friends licenced

[@SevenRebello]

I'm super interested but I don't know where to begin😥don't know any hams or radio literate people. Ive just been bouncing around KZbin trying to learn enough to figure it out.

[@l.a.2646]

@@SevenRebellowhat are you interested in, ham radio or shortwave listening?

[@SevenRebello]

@@l.a.2646 Shortwave listening and eventually I'd like to be a ham and be able to communicate. The whole idea of it is fascinating to me. I just can't figure out what I'm looking at or what to get or what to do or what to learn. I did find the military phonetic alphabet and I memorized it, and I know I would have to take a test and have a license and transmitter to communicate. But I don't know or understand much else. I feel so much wonder...like a baby.

[@harryporter7220]

I heard them on the air just before Hallowe'en. It's sad to see them shut down their hf transmissions. But the reality is that HF radio has been eclipsed by the internet, with most international broadcasters opting for the digital route. Other than Romania, Spain, France and the much-diminished BBC, it's a vast empty wasteland, with only the evangelists and the conspiracy theorists remaining. Some call it progress.

[@redneckways1933]

Hopefully they do not destroy the equipment and keep the station ready to fire back up. If the United States ever goes into a huge war or something I believe are radios are going to be very important to us. I hate to hear about this situation going quite.

[@FarpointFarms]

I hope they will keep it there and not sell it.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

As of today 22.11.27 I read that the station is closed and the station parts will be dismantled. It is permanently shut down.

[@chirogirl67550]

It’s a shame the station went silent, especially in light that short wave radio, I think, is about to make a major comeback. My husband and I just joined arrl, are looking for our first Short wave radio because we see a need in the near future for communication when the internet goes down. Sorry that one of the major broadcaster went down….maybe they’ll come back…I think we’re going to need them soon.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree!

[@handsomeclem208]

I wholeheartedly echo the sentiment! With concerns over the official government media websites of the PRC and Russia, among others being potentially loaded with viruses and malware, one has to wonder how long before they turn the shortwave transmitters back on, even if it's a backup for their online activities so as to cover the bases.......

[@TD-ni9vk]

Attempted to tune in a few nights ago. Thought maybe just technical problems. What a shame. They'll be missed!

[@henrylikesradios]

In 2016 when we were overseas I listened to my country's shortwave broadcaster Radio Australia. Sometime in 2017 they shut down all their external services. Such a pity. China soon after took over our frequencies. Not too much to listen to down under, mostly China and New Zealand (on 7245kHz). Also used to listen to Voice of Israel. Years ago they too shut down their SW transmitters and stream on the net. It's disappointing for us SW listeners.

[@sergiozammel8261]

Yes this is the world we live in now. Out with the old. Never know, something may happen one day where we retro things like short wave stations by necessity.

[@DanielKE7UUM]

Thats sad. Sorry to hear this.

[@sallybrokaw6124]

Online SW broadcasting started 10 yrs or so.Shortwave stations back then were losing funding or switching to streaming only.Also Popular Communications magazine disbanded.A real tragedy to the best radio magazine ever published by far.AL B in Ohio. Sw,C B, antique ham and broadcast radio collector.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

It's sad to hear but at the same time we live in the era of climate crisis so 100KW's worth of broadcast that does not generate revenue means not many are listening. Perhaps therein lies the solution: maybe it can just broadcast sporadically, speech alone so as to not have any licensing fees and bring operational costs down. At the same time, it can leverage the power of the internet by publishing its program schedule so listeners will know when to tune in and for what program in advance. This can only be an interim solution, however, and shortwave stations need to find a way to exist and be useful in the age of the internet. Something related to education and/or data transfer perhaps? Or renting out their frequency for re-transmitting stations in other mediums, countries etc?

[@MikeDijital]

The sucks, I found you while looking for stuff on WTWW

[@WFTL14]

Hooray! Ted & company are back! Listening to "THE BIGGER ONE" WRMI LEGIONS ! On WRMI 4980.

[@bkrgi]

And 5085 may be the channel WRMI settles the legends into this weekend....talk about full circle in a blink.

[@cressi777]

Sadly short wave is long gone it was a miracle that they were still around everybody abandon ship a very long time ago. Nice memories but rest in peace short wave.

[@DonnyRamsoondar]

Don't lose hope I was looking into getting a Shortwave Radio license from our local Telecom authority to play classic rock, I also am into streaming and a DXer and SWL and Ham radio Gen Xer.

[@FarpointFarms]

If you can do that, you will give us all hope

[@TediumGenius]

Very sad. WW radio is so important!! I loved listening to the world since 1987, but between noisy switching power supplies and other RFI it's been more difficult. After a decade of pause I turned on and tried to tune in- hoping all the caps still had juice in them- to find how difficult it was to find something to listen to. (And, just how Americanized the world had become- so few traditional music broadcasts.) I found a streaming app called "Radio Garden," that I LOVE- spin the globe to green dots all around the planet and "tune in" to stations by location. Of course there are a lot of mainstream commercial stations, but I found one in Chicago called "Radio Noir" that streams old detective shows like Dragnet and Johnny Dollar. VERY nostalgic and right in line with the 50's Radio (and perhaps TV) listening experience. It is absolutely a love/hate relationship- streaming and I. I appreciate the clarity and ease- but there's something about turning an analog dial, and tweaking an antenna and RX gear to hear what turns out to be a hidden gem for you. I've found so many really, really neat stations and content over the years. My great-grandfather helped establish Pittsburgh's first commercial station- its in my blood I guess. Keep doing what you do, I LOVE your channel!!

[@RJDA.Dakota]

I have the “Radio Garden” on my phone and it’s nice and does have some of my better favourites. I just really don’t like wasting my phone battery on radio stations that I should be able to get on a real radio.

[@mikemalloy966]

I agree it is ashamed that these types of stations are going away. I looked into starting my own here in South Texas where open land is plentiful and the soil conductivity is great. I could design and build my own antenna systems, but Just don't have the money to put an actual short wave station on the air.

[@FarpointFarms]

It's the power bill that is killing a lot of these stations. With less advertising dollars, it's hard to make enough to power the things. I still think they have an important place in our lives, but we need to make it a point to support them when they need it.

[@ZiggySearchfieldCactus]

Sad to hear Eric. Imagine how I felt when I found my favorite pirate radio station broadcasting on AM again, radio caroline is back on 648 😎 Been listening to them on and off since 1964 and now they're powered by the sun. Coincidentally, I was listening to them on a solar powered receiver 🙂 Too far away for you to pick up but they're playing rock online too 😎

[@FarpointFarms]

I REALLY wish more folks in the USA would get active in Pirate radio. It's a shame as we have so much dead air to choose from.

[@service1956]

I never really had much interest in the shortwave stations here in the states. I however have been the listener that really liked the other side of the world stations. Radio RSA South Africa, HCJB in Quito Equador, Radio Nederland in Holland. These were the DX stations I liked tuning to. On rare occasions listening to Ship to Shore radio telephone conversations. Even the weird sounds that were once common on shortwave like radio teletype, and the old ship navigational system Loran and Slave. Not much on anymore. I think stations like CHU, WWV, and WWVH will soon be doomed as well.

[@va3ngc]

Private US SW stations seem to be nothing more than mouth pieces for nutty religious organizations that are not much more than cults. It is too bad that many of these stations became slaves to such entities like Brother Stair and the like just to keep a float. In the long run, it actually hurts them, as it scares away listeners.

[@aceman1126]

5085 was THE station that got me into shortwave... sad times losing such a great station and they were even from TN I believe, my home state.

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

WTWW’s oldies show will be on WRMI. They’re testing frequencies/times with their web presence. They’ll be on WRMI soon. Good for them and for us. In the meantime, we who are on shortwave do it because we’ve always felt “radio was what we were meant to do.” We’re past “getting paid for it.” Hurricane Ian really hurt WRMI. THANKS to those who helped out!

[@madmax2069]

Yeah, I'm glad that WRMI was able to repair the damages to get the transmitters back operating, we could have very well lost two shortwave stations within the same year.

[@masterofpuppets1776]

Great stickers on wall.. He was Right..

[@Duddie82]

I wish I could stream their music, if you can tell me, I would love to listen. I have a SW radio right next to me, and its heart breaking. In the 1980's, I stayed up late night listening to lots of different things on SW. It was my passion as a young guy.

[@justing9528]

There is still hope. The report of the week on KZbin has his own short wave station called VORW. I hope everyone can go support him and give him a listen. He will usually post on his KZbin channel what station he is broadcasting on.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

It’s not a station, just a transmission. A programme on a larger station, in this case WWCR or WRMI.

[@duaneshuster6366]

This is bad like a funeral . That freq was so interesting they mixed it up did do well. Thanks for bringing this to our attention as we all don't turn the SW on every night now we know why it won't be there. Sad.

[@exgenica]

I'm curious...with the vastly improved transmitter, receiver, AND antenna hardware and software available now, is 100KW still required for world-wide AM? Couldn't approximately identical coverage be attained with much lower total energy costs? (assuming of course folks can and do upgrade as needed)

[@DarrenN72]

I never heard of WTWW. Don't know where they were located at? But I have heard about music being played on 5085 SW. I was never able to receive anything on that frequency. I am located in Erie, PA. I have picked up WRMI, WCBQ, and WWCR on several different frequencies but never WTWW on 5085

[@generalingwer4341]

Wow what a shame. wish we could some how save alot of things that are disappearing .

[@robertwilliamson6121]

Listened on my Kaito KA1102 and a few other radios up here in Canada. We’ve lost another one. Sad. Someday in the future we might need them again.

[@KC9RXP]

WRMI is still rocking, but when this fall weather hits, i almost cry when i tune to 5085 and hear static. F*cking sucks man.

[@FarpointFarms]

I know it is weird when the reception goes away due to the seasons.

[@KC9RXP]

@@FarpointFarms I'm saying, I always liked to listen to it during fall. It was nostalgic for me since I was a kid. I'll tune to 5085 expecting to hear wtww, then I remember it's gone and have to grieve all over again. I just can't believe it's gone.