Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura who notes that Hackaday recently featured a clever DIY receiver project based on the Si5351 and ESP32 that covers shortwave, mediumwave, and more. It has a nice retro look, plenty of modern features, and even includes an SDR mode for use with a computer.
If you enjoy homebrew radio projects, this is well worth a look:
Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following two articles that may be of interest to readers:
The first, from Radio World, highlights a new broadband AM antenna system designed for the upper end of the mediumwave band. The compact design promises easier installation, lower infrastructure requirements, and could offer broadcasters a practical solution where traditional AM tower installations are impractical or prohibitively expensive:
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/new-antenna-for-upper-am-band-nears-readiness
Dennis also points to a recent Westwood One analysis examining the listening habits of Tesla drivers. Despite Tesla’s increasingly streaming-focused infotainment systems, the data suggests AM/FM radio remains the dominant source of ad-supported in-car audio among Tesla owners:
https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2026/06/29/reach-future-tesla-buyers-on-am-fm-radio-the-medium-tesla-drivers-listen-to-most/
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast.
Carlos notes:
November cyclone damage fuels Sri Lanka dengue surge, CGTN Radio, 11770 kHz
In general, when we think about climate change and its consequences, high temperatures, rainfall, and floods come to mind. However, a report released by CGTN radio on June 29 highlights a different aspect. According to Sri Lankan health authorities, the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah—which battered the island in November 2025—created conditions that fostered the proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, resulting in an outbreak of the disease.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who shares the following:
The shortwave transmitter site NW of Brasilia, operated by the national public broadcaster Empresa Brasil de Comunicacao for the Radio Nacional de Amazonia service, has had to make a change to its SW operating schedule.
EBC’s Radio Engineering Manager Manoel Caetano tells me, “Due to technical problems and energy costs, the Radio Nacional de Amazonias service will have reduced operating hours through at least the end of the year”
11780kHz will operate weekdays from 0745UTC to 2000UTC and 6180kHz will operate weekdays from 2000 to 0300UTC.
On weekends, 11780kHz will operate from 0900UTC to 1800UTC, while the 6180kHz frequency will remain off-air.
Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here’s what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to the shortwaves this week.
On Wednesday 1st July 2026, at 0200 hrs UTC on 9395 kHz on WRMI we have WHFM – Herman’s Radio and Record Room. This is a further show in a series of programmes recorded by DJ Frederick Moe in memory of his father Herman (1919-2001) and features mid-century sounds including country, jazz, folk and easy listening.
Later on that day at at 2000 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz via Shortwave Gold, we bring you the repeat of Skybird Jams. The show is entitled “Music to increase your attention span” with DJ Frederick, in other words, extended tunes and ‘jam bands’ on your shortwave dial. Tune in and enjoy the sound of Skybird Jams.
While on Saturday 4th July at 1100 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and then again on Sunday 5th July at 1300 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and 2000 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz, we have the first episode of the show called Wave. Think beach, think sea, think surf and all things summery! And think of those shortwaves too.
For more information on all our shows, please write to us at [email protected] and check out our old shows at our Mixcloud page here.
FastRadioBurst23
by Karl D. Forth
On mediumwave, Cuba was a heavyweight, with many high-powered transmitters all over the dial, exceeding the already generous allocation agreed to by the North American nations in 1941.
In 1971, Radio Havana Cuba broadcast on shortwave with Spanish to the Americas, English, French, Portuguese, and a few other languages.
Later, I saw a magazine ad from the 1960s. The ad was for Hallicrafters, a Chicago maker of shortwave radios and communications equipment. The ad showed a menacing-looking caricature of the Cuban dictator speaking and posed the question:
“Have you ever actually heard this son of a bitch?”
Fidel Castro’s understanding of radio was no accident. He studied its use in other Latin American countries and in previous coup attempts, and used it shrewdly in his own rise to power.
One program seemed to a 15-year-old to cross the line. The Voice of Vietnam was an English language program aimed at the United States that was broadcast from Havana, not Hanoi. This program seemed strident and objectionable, which may have been the goal.
Today, Cuban broadcasting is in a shambles. Hurricane Rafael flattened its largest shortwave transmitter site. Ongoing problems with the power grid and shortages of fuel have led to nationwide power outages. Many AM stations are off the air. Technicians from China who kept things running have reportedly left the country.
Karl D. Forth has been interested in radio and DXing for more than 50 years. This story was included in the book Radio Nights and Distant Signals.
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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent Rádio Nanduti broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Paraguay vs Germany: Reporter from Paraguayan Rádio Ñanduti comments on the public celebration after Paraguay’s victory over Germany: “The Guarani lion ate the German shepherd!”