Asimov wrote:
How is it done except if not by photons, virtual or otherwise, whether
the context is AC or DC?

DC applied to an antenna no doubt creates virtual photons.
My statements should be considered to exclude such virtual
photons. They are meant to include only detectable photons
coherent with the frequency of the driving signal capable
of propagation through free space which are emitted by the
acceleration/deceleration of free electrons in a copper
wire antenna. (Contexts nowadays are sure complicated.)
--
73, Cecil, http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp