The anonomous "Atlas" wrote:

Why use a SW radio? What uses are they for the average person?

Depends where this "average person" lives. For those in places where news
sources are unreliable or untrustworthy, shortwave provides access to a
broad array or news sources and various points of view on issues. Actually,
that feature of SW can be a benefit to anyone.

Secondly, some of us think it's fun to listen to broadcasts from the far
corners of the world.

If you trust your local news sources, aren't interested in hearing different
(sometimes offbeat) perspectives, don't get a kick out of technical gadgets,
etc., then SW probably isn't for you.

Art Harris N2AH