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I can't imagine why reaching Ukrainians is a motivation; Ukraine appears to be on plane wrt current events and the state of the world. Aside from the tradition

I can't imagine why reaching Ukrainians is a motivation; Ukraine appears to be on plane wrt current events and the state of the world. Aside from the traditional Eurocentric sources they've been accustomed to consuming and which remains available to them, Starlink has pumped 5000 terminals into Ukraine, so Russia can't cut them off unless it starts destroying satellites. Russians, however, are clearing living in opposite world. Intercepted calls to family from 'special operation' soldiers show that Russians have no clue at all what has been happening. They argue with their soldiers about the state of the invasion, astonished and confused when told that Ukraine hasn't been overrun and denazified yet. The only solution here is time. A year from now and 100,000 dead Russian solders will eventually start raising questions in the minds of these people. Until then any attempt to convey reality to them, via shortwave or otherwise, will be dismissed as enemy propaganda. They're that far gone.

hilbert42 5y ago
"Until then any attempt to convey reality to them, via shortwave or otherwise, will be dismissed as enemy propaganda. They're that far gone." Perhaps so, but even if they dismiss such messages as enemy propaganda now they don't forget them. Later, after events change, that latent information can come to the fore and be relevant. Radio, especially low-tech AM radio, has been one of the most effective propaganda mediums of all time. One should never forget how truly and horribly effective Goebbels' propaganda was in the 1930s and during the War at galvanizing the German people. As that lesson taught us radio propaganda works and works par excellence if done well. All that's need this instant is people who understand that and who can put the medium to work forthwith.
- scottLobster 5y ago
  Keep in mind that was when Radio was THE mass communication medium for the masses. People don't gather 'round the radio after dinner these days. I'm not sure what the radio userbase in Russia looks like, but I imagine smart phones and TV dominates just like everywhere else. In fact that's the entire point of the article: "In other words, shortwave was great but it’s not the option you’re looking for. The audience won’t be there. " That isn't to say we shouldn't try short-wave, but expectations should be tempered.

hilbert42 5y ago

"Until then any attempt to convey reality to them, via shortwave or otherwise, will be dismissed as enemy propaganda. They're that far gone." Perhaps so, but even if they dismiss such messages as enemy propaganda now they don't forget them. Later, after events change, that latent information can come to the fore and be relevant. Radio, especially low-tech AM radio, has been one of the most effective propaganda mediums of all time. One should never forget how truly and horribly effective Goebbels' propaganda was in the 1930s and during the War at galvanizing the German people. As that lesson taught us radio propaganda works and works par excellence if done well. All that's need this instant is people who understand that and who can put the medium to work forthwith.

scottLobster 5y ago
Keep in mind that was when Radio was THE mass communication medium for the masses. People don't gather 'round the radio after dinner these days. I'm not sure what the radio userbase in Russia looks like, but I imagine smart phones and TV dominates just like everywhere else. In fact that's the entire point of the article: "In other words, shortwave was great but it’s not the option you’re looking for. The audience won’t be there. " That isn't to say we shouldn't try short-wave, but expectations should be tempered.