
The first number stations appeared at the end of World War I. Initially, they were used to send simple Morse codes meant for spies and intelligence agents. Over time, the transmissions became more complex, incorporating sequences of numbers, letters, and even words in various languages.
The Cold War era was the peak of number station activity. They served as tools of propaganda and disinformation, broadcast by governments and intelligence agencies on both sides of the Iron Curtain. Although the number of active number stations significantly decreased after the Cold War, they still operate in many parts of the world. Their purposes and methods remain largely unknown, sparking much speculation and conspiracy theories. Some are still used by intelligence agencies, while others transmit religious or political messages.
Based on their content, number stations can be categorized into:
- Stations broadcasting strings of numbers and letters: These stations broadcast sequences of numbers, letters, or combinations of both, often without clear meaning to the average listener. An example is UVB-76, also known as "The Buzzer."
- Stations broadcasting messages: These stations transmit short, coded messages intended for specific recipients, such as spies or intelligence agents. An example is The Lincolnshire Poacher, used by British intelligence during World War II.
There are also other, less common types of number stations, such as those that broadcast natural sounds, time signals, and experimental transmissions. Some even play music or propaganda messages.
Studying and classifying number stations is a complex task due to their often hidden nature and lack of reliable information about their origins and purposes.
Broadcasting Methods of Number Stations
Number stations use different methods to broadcast their signals, depending on their purpose and available technology. Some of the most common methods include:
- Shortwave Broadcasting (SW): This is the most popular method for broadcasting number station signals. Shortwave signals can travel long distances, reaching audiences worldwide.
- AM Broadcasting: Amplitude modulation (AM) is a simple and relatively inexpensive broadcasting method, commonly used in commercial radio. However, AM signals are prone to atmospheric and other types of interference.
- USB Broadcasting: Upper Sideband (USB) modulation is more efficient than AM, providing better sound quality and less susceptibility to interference.
- LSB Broadcasting: Lower Sideband (LSB) modulation is similar to USB but offers better signal penetration in challenging propagation conditions.
In addition to these basic methods, number stations may also use more advanced broadcasting techniques, such as:
- Digital Broadcasting: Digital signals provide higher sound quality and are less susceptible to interference than analog signals.
- Spread Spectrum Broadcasting: This technique involves broadcasting the signal from multiple locations, making it harder to trace or interfere with.
Receiving Number Station Signals
Receiving number station signals can be challenging due to their weak and often distorted nature. In addition to standard radio receivers, listeners may also use specialized equipment, such as:
- Scanners: Scanners allow quick searches across different radio frequencies, making it easier to find number station signals.
- Directional Antennas: Directional antennas can focus on a signal from a specific direction, improving reception quality.
- Demodulation Software: This software can demodulate AM, USB, and LSB signals, allowing users to listen to broadcasts from number stations.
It’s important to note that many number station broadcasts are coded or encrypted, making them difficult to understand without the proper key or knowledge.
Researchers and enthusiasts of number stations use various techniques to crack codes and decrypt the messages broadcast by these stations. They employ cryptography knowledge, frequency analysis, and other methods to uncover hidden meanings in these transmissions. As noted by Wikipedia, almost no government or broadcaster has officially acknowledged the use of number stations.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Paid journalistic content. Market trends and forecasts by Reuters Institute
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Only 18 percent of internet users pay for online news access, and the rate has not increased for the third year in a row. Norway sets records with 42%, while Greece does not exceed 7%. Globally, nearly one in three subscribers cancels after a year.
Gen Alpha avoids tough topics. What young people are really looking for
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Generation Alpha prefers humor in 46% of cases, while only 12% are interested in news and political topics. Young people and children consciously limit what negatively affects their emotions - according to the report "Gen Alpha Unfiltered" published by GWI.
YouTube redefines viewer engagement. Goodbye to returning viewers
KFi
As many as 30% of internet users now turn to YouTube as their main news source, and 65% consume news in video form. Now the platform is shaking things up. Reach still matters, but engagement is what really counts.
See articles on a similar topic:
Influencers Earn Too Much. No Fluff Jobs Report
KrzysztoF
According to nearly 70% of Poles, influencers earn too much, and 54% feel the least affection for them out of all professions. Only politicians receive equally low regard among respondents surveyed by No Fluff Jobs. On the other hand, nurses and… farmers are considered underpaid.
Selfish Trap: A New Social Influence Technique
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Three psychologists from SWPS University have described a social influence method suggesting people are more willing to complete a task if it highlights a quality important to them, such as loyalty, intelligence, or rationality.
Russian Propaganda. Debunk.org Report on Moscow's Disinformation Scale
BARD, PAP Mediaroom
In 2022, the Russian Federation allocated approximately 143 billion rubles to mass media (equivalent to 1.9 billion US dollars), exceeding the planned budget by 25%. For the current year, the Kremlin's budget for this sector is set at 119.2 billion rubles (1.6 billion dollars).
YouTube vs. Television. The 50+ Generation Shifts to Computers
Krzysztof Fiedorek
For years, so-called "silvers" were primarily associated with traditional media like television. However, research by IQS for SilverTV and Lifetube shows that this view is outdated. The report’s findings clearly demonstrate that YouTube is becoming the new “television.”