The Divided Dial is a Peabody-winning series from On the Media that explores the story of shortwave radio. Shortwave radio was once seen as a utopian, international, and instantaneous mass communication tool, similar to the internet before it existed. However, state leaders soon used it as a propaganda machine to shape global politics. As shortwave radio evolved, it became fragmented and accessible, attracting right-wing extremists, conspiracy theorists, and cult leaders. Today, wealthy individuals are trying to buy up this mass-communication tool to make a profit. This is the first episode of the second season of The Divided Dial, a limited series from On the Media. The episode can be listened to on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the WNYC App. The Divided Dial was supported by a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. On the Media and Radiolab are supported by listeners and rely on donations to continue their work. Both shows also have social media presence and newsletters that listeners can sign up for.