This episode of "The Divided Dial" delves into the story of Alan Wiener, a former pirate radio operator who transitioned to legal shortwave broadcasting with WBCQ in Maine. The episode explores how WBCQ, despite its remote location, became a powerful shortwave station known for its free-speech platform, attracting a range of content from niche music to extremist viewpoints. The narrative details the financial struggles WBCQ faced and how a partnership with World's Last Chance, an ultra-conservative Christian ministry, provided the resources for a major upgrade, including a massive new antenna. The episode further examines the ethical implications of WBCQ's programming choices, particularly the airing of hate speech and controversial figures like Brother Stair, and contrasts this with the desires of some shortwave listeners for more diverse and less polarizing content.
