During the great Patriotic war in besieged Leningrad, radio was practically the only, and most definitely, the most important means of warning citizens. But the broadcasts did not go around the clock, and when the broadcast was silent, they broadcast the sound of a working metronome. Although this may seem strange today, the reasons for this decision were very serious.
What did the sound of the metronome mean?
A lot of informational “arteries” connect a modern person with the outside world - this is a constant round-the-clock, often unlimited access to the Internet, and a cell phone, television, and various print media, some of which appear in your inbox, whether you want it or not. But in Soviet times there was nothing like that. The main source of information was the radio.
People in the besieged Leningrad were, in fact, cut off from the country. Supply and communication were carried out irregularly, it was very dangerous. The situation was critical, anything could happen at any moment, and although people believed in the best, there were enough reasons for concern. It is difficult to imagine what happened to people in a blockade.
To commemorate the heroes of the blockade and remind everyone else about this difficult time, in St. Petersburg on May 9, all television and radio companies broadcast the sound of the metronome for several minutes.
In besieged Leningrad, a working radio meant that it was not all over yet, that there was still hope. For people who did not turn off the radio, the sound of a working metronome was like the heartbeat of a country: since it had not yet calmed down, then this should be kept on and not give up hope. This uniform and very simple sound calmed people a little, allowing them to feel at least some kind of confidence.
The broadcast of the metronome was also of technical importance. Firstly, this sound was transmitted to check if there is a connection. Secondly, he was needed to warn the population about air raids and shelling. The value of 50 beats per minute meant that you can not worry, and now everything is calm. But 150 beats per minute not only sounded too fast and alarming, but also warned of raids.
