Video may have killed the radio star, but the Voice of America lives on! Welcome friends to the U.S. Government shortwave radio transmitting station at Delano, California. It is from here that the radio station broadcasts Voice of America programming to Central and South America, and Spanish language Radio Marti programming to Cuba, using seven 250,000 watt transmitters and numerous antennas. Worldwide, the Voice of America broadcasts in 52 languages, not including Bocce or the binary language of moisture vaporators. (Sorry - I couldn't resist.)

The programming originates in studios in Washington D.C., and is sent to the station by satellite transmission. The International Broadcasting Bureau is the organization that oversees U.S. Government sanctioned broadcasting activities, just to keep them in line.

The Delano station has been continuously active since the 1940's, broadcasting news and views of American life for all the world to hear. (Although we don't know how much news they share about America's recent love of The Osbournes...it's probably best that we keep that to ourselves...)

The beans had a great time visiting the Voice of America, and hope that they slip in a few key references to a certain canned vegetable in their next show...