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# Tuning In to History: 6 Fascinating Facts About 'This Is Jerusalem Calling' – State Radio in Mandate Palestine
In an era before television and the internet, radio was the ultimate mass communication medium. For the diverse and politically charged landscape of Mandate Palestine, the establishment of a state-run radio service was a momentous event. Launched by the British Mandatory authorities, the Palestine Broadcasting Service (PBS), famously introduced with the phrase "This Is Jerusalem Calling," played a unique and often challenging role in the region's history. It was a pioneering venture, operating amidst simmering tensions and complex cultural dynamics.
This article delves into the intriguing world of state radio in Mandate Palestine, exploring key aspects that shaped its operation, content, and lasting legacy.
1. The Birth of a Broadcasting Pioneer: Establishment and Objectives
The Palestine Broadcasting Service officially began transmission on March 30, 1936, from its studios in Jerusalem. Its creation was not merely about technological advancement but served strategic objectives for the British Mandatory government. The primary goals included:
- **Disseminating Official Information:** Providing news, government announcements, and public service messages directly to the populace.
- **Promoting British Policies:** Counteracting misinformation and fostering a sense of order and progress under British rule.
- **Cultural and Educational Upliftment:** Offering programs designed to educate, entertain, and promote cultural understanding, ideally bridging divides between the Arab and Jewish communities.
The service was an ambitious undertaking, reflecting the British commitment to modern infrastructure, even as it navigated the complex socio-political realities on the ground.
2. A Symphony of Tongues: The Trilingual Broadcasts
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of "This Is Jerusalem Calling" was its commitment to trilingual broadcasting. Programs were aired in:
- **Arabic:** Catering to the majority Arab population.
- **Hebrew:** Serving the growing Jewish Yishuv.
- **English:** For the British administrators, military personnel, and English-speaking residents.
This trilingual approach was a logistical marvel and a political necessity. Each language segment featured distinct programming, though some news bulletins and cultural items were translated. The goal was to ensure access for all major population groups, but it also highlighted the separate cultural and political spheres coexisting under the Mandate. Presenters had to be fluent and sensitive to the nuances of each community, making the role of broadcasters highly specialized.
3. Diverse Programming for a Divided Audience
The content broadcast by PBS was a fascinating mix, designed to appeal to its varied listenership while adhering to the government's objectives. Programming included:
- **News Bulletins:** Carefully curated by British officials, often reflecting the official narrative of events.
- **Music:** A blend of classical Arabic music, Hebrew folk songs, European classical pieces, and popular tunes, reflecting the diverse cultural tastes.
- **Educational Programs:** Lessons on agriculture, health, and civics, aimed at improving public welfare.
- **Cultural Features:** Readings of literature, poetry, and discussions on local customs and traditions.
- **Religious Broadcasts:** Special programs for Christian, Muslim, and Jewish holidays and services, aiming to acknowledge and respect all faiths.
Despite efforts to promote shared cultural elements, the distinct programming in each language often reinforced existing communal boundaries rather than dissolving them.
4. The Voice and the Signal: Technological Reach and Limitations
The PBS operated from its main studios in the Palace Hotel (later the Fast Hotel) in Jerusalem. Its signal was broadcast via a powerful 20-kilowatt shortwave transmitter located near Ramallah. While advanced for its time, the reach and listenership of "This Is Jerusalem Calling" faced several limitations:
- **Receiver Availability:** Radio sets were expensive and not widely owned, particularly in rural areas. Listenership was primarily concentrated in urban centers and among the more affluent segments of society.
- **Community Listening:** To overcome this, "radio clubs" and public listening points were established in cafes and community centers, especially for Arabic and Hebrew broadcasts, fostering a sense of shared experience.
- **Interference:** Shortwave signals were susceptible to atmospheric conditions and interference, making consistent reception a challenge in some areas.
Despite these hurdles, the radio's voice extended across Palestine, becoming a significant source of information and entertainment for those who could tune in.
5. Navigating the Political Minefield: Impact and Censorship
Operating in a politically charged environment, PBS was inherently a tool of the Mandate government, yet it also became a platform for local voices, albeit under strict supervision. Its impact was multifaceted:
- **Shaping Public Opinion:** While officially neutral, the news and commentary often subtly (or not so subtly) supported British policies, leading to accusations of propaganda from both Arab and Jewish nationalist groups.
- **Cultural Exchange vs. Segregation:** The trilingual setup allowed exposure to different cultures but also highlighted the lack of true integration. Each community often preferred its own language programs.
- **Censorship:** Content was carefully vetted to avoid inflammatory material that could exacerbate inter-communal tensions or challenge British authority. This often meant self-censorship by broadcasters and direct intervention by Mandate officials.
The station became a microcosm of Mandate Palestine itself – a complex entity attempting to manage diverse populations with conflicting aspirations.
6. From Mandate to Nationhood: The Legacy of PBS
The end of the British Mandate in May 1948 brought an end to the Palestine Broadcasting Service. As the British withdrew, the broadcasting infrastructure was swiftly adapted by the emerging states:
- **Kol Yisrael (Voice of Israel):** The Hebrew section of PBS, along with its personnel and equipment, formed the nucleus of Israel's national radio service, Kol Yisrael, which began broadcasting even before the formal declaration of independence.
- **Jordan Radio:** The Arabic section's equipment and some personnel were eventually transferred to Transjordan, contributing to the establishment of what would become Jordan Radio.
"This Is Jerusalem Calling" thus left a profound legacy, not only as a historical artifact of British colonial administration but as the foundational institution for national broadcasting in a region that would soon undergo dramatic transformation. It stands as a testament to the power of radio and the complexities of communication in a divided land.
Conclusion
The Palestine Broadcasting Service, with its iconic opening "This Is Jerusalem Calling," was far more than just a radio station. It was a unique social experiment, a political instrument, and a cultural melting pot operating within the turbulent context of Mandate Palestine. Its trilingual broadcasts, diverse programming, and technological pioneering set the stage for modern national radio in the Middle East. While navigating the delicate balance of promoting British objectives and serving its diverse audience, PBS etched its place in history as a vital voice that echoed across the Holy Land, shaping perceptions and connecting communities in an era defined by change and profound uncertainty.
