Antennas and methods for controlling antennas for producing electromagnetic radiation in a desired direction over a wide range of wavelengths. A current distribution is controlled in one or more conductive radiating elements of an antenna to form, at every wavelength within a pattern wavelength range, an antenna radiation pattern having a peak in a direction substantially orthogonal to a length of an elongated conductive radiating element or elements. By careful control of the current distribution, the pattern wavelength range is made exceptionally broad. In the case of a dipole antenna, the pattern wavelength can range from about ⅓l to at least about 8l, where l is an approximate combined length of a pair of elongated elements forming a dipole antenna. Alternatively, in the case of a monopole antenna, the pattern wavelength range can extend from about ⅙l to at least about 4l, where l is an approximate overall length of the monopole antenna.