Finance Bros Are Coming for the Public Airwaves
Summary
Host Katie Thornton explores the history and current battle for shortwave radio frequencies. The episode contrasts amateur "pirate" broadcasters, who use the airwaves for diverse, free content, with high-frequency trading firms seeking to privatize these public resources for faster financial transactions. This conflict highlights broader concerns about the erosion of public access to the electromagnetic spectrum.
Topics discussed
Introduction to shortwave radio and its unique properties
The Divided Dial series and history of shortwave
Surfing the shortwave dial: propaganda, codes, and music
How skywaves bounce off the ionosphere at night
Early radio enthusiasts and the utopian promise of shortwave
Host's personal experience listening to shortwave stations
The rise of pirate radio on shortwave frequencies
Bennett Cobb investigates FCC experimental licenses
High-frequency trading firms using shortwave for speed
The electromagnetic spectrum and data transmission
The battle for public airwaves: Pirates vs. Profiteers
FCC deregulation and the threat of spectrum auctions
Conclusion: Defending public access to the airwaves
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