The More You Know

The Radio Buzz

The buzzer is a mysterious radio station that has been broadcasting a monotone droning sound for over 50 years. Tune in to the 4625 kHz shortwave dial and you’ll hear a strange, repetitive sound. It’s often referred to as “UVB-76,” but to its dedicated listeners, it’s known as “The Buzzer.” The buzzer has been broadcasting for over 50 years, but no one knows who’s broadcasting it, why they’re broadcasting it, or what their purpose is. The buzzing is sometimes accompanied by a voice speaking Russian. Ryan Schaum, a hobbyist radio enthusiast, runs one of the many websites dedicated to this phenomenon. He says, “What initially got me interested in The Buzzer was the mystery of who was broadcasting it, why it was broadcast, and what purpose it could have. I got so caught up in it that I just kept looking for more information, hoping to find a rational explanation.”