(photo by Delneshin Danaie) ¡Atención! 3, 8, 9, 5, 9... 6, 6... 3, 8, 9, 5, 9... 6, 6.... For decades, shortwave radio enthusiasts have been puzzled by coded transmissions broadcast from unknown "numbers stations." Transmitted in varied looping intervals, the messages consist of numeric groupings in a multitude of languages, but make little sense to most listeners. Conspiracy theorists and espionage experts widely believe them to be intended for international spies. The Lincolnshire Poacher (.mpg) station precedes each transmission with a tonal melody from the song of the same name, and some believe its transmissions come from Cyprus -- although most stations remain hidden. While no government will claim using stations for any purpose, testimony during the trial of a Cuban spy strengthens the link to espionage. Despite the lack of answers, the enigma of numbers stations persists by influencing music artists, television shows, and even prompting a compilation of recordings. On Wednesday nights, when "Lost" is a re-run, rest assured that an insurmountable puzzle is only as far away as the nearest CD player. End transmission. Suggested Sites... NPR: Music by the Numbers Stations - listen to a report on the CD compilation of numbers stations recordings that has become a cult hit. ClandestineRadio.com - monitors clandestine and subversive radio, revealing how politics, diplomacy, and espionage intersect in broadcast media. NASWA WWW Shortwave Listening Guide - find out what programs are being broadcast by the hour and learn how to tune in. Wikipedia: Numbers Stations - good overview, with lots of links.

Directory categories: Numbers Stations, Intelligence and Espionage, Cryptology

Archived under: Codes, Communication, Conspiracies, Fanatics, Hobbies, Weird Stuff

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