"tom k in L.A." wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi-- can someone explain why I can hear transmissions by the BBC and
Deutsche Welle which are directed towards Africa here in Los Angeles?
If it weren't for these transmissions there would be very little worth
listening to on SW !

Although the transmissions may be "directed" , beam patterns on HF are
quite wide and some radiation will occur at many angles including the
back180 degree direction. IF PROPAGATION is favorable, directed broadcasts
can be heard in many other locales other than the "directed" one.

Short Answer -- favorable propagation

Lamont