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Up To Date

The Impact Of World War I On Ham Radio

When America declared war on Germany in 1917, most radio stations came under government control, reserved for war efforts. On this edition of Up To Date,  we learn why ham radio operators were prevented from broadcasting during The Great War.

Guests:

  • Jonathan Casey is the Edward Jones Research Center Manager at the National World War I Museum.
  • Herb Fiddick is the amateur radio voice of the National World War I Museum.

This weekend, the National WWI Museum will host special event station WW1USA. The station will be manned by amateur radio operators for 31 consecutive hours, beginning Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m. through Sunday at 5 p.m. The event is free. For more information go to theworldwar.org.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
Kansas City needs journalists who show up not just on people’s worst days, but on their best ones — and the boring ones in between. As KCUR’s news director, I build relationships across the metro, so our newsroom can bring you critical information when times are tough, and seek out moments of joy to celebrate. Email me at lisa@kcur.org.