CBS Radio New gave Amateur Radio Kudos

Who else caught the 6PM EST rotation of the national CBS news via the radio?  One of the prominate story lines (2nd or third up) was the contribution of Amateur Radio to the relief effort in SW Florida.  They specifically cited in the broadcast that traditional phone, cell phone and two way radio service is still disrupted and that Amateurs throughout the area stepped up and served.  It indicated that Amateurs are the primary means of communication at this point in the rebuilding and recovery.

It was excellent PR for the service element of our tradition.

Bravo to those men and women helping out in the aftermath of the hurricane.

 

I heard that!

'Bout busted out with pride!

No wait, that was that durned failed diet....



It was a very well done piece!

 

Great PR for the hobby. That is what it takes to keep the hobby alive and in the public eye. We need to do more in the way of public service, and for the the Military to boost awareness of Amateur Radio. Thanks for the post!

KB9IBW / Emery
www.geocities.com/kb9ibw
www.nmam.org (click on photo's)

 

to pick a nit....

HOBBY? I thought it was the Amateur Radio SERVICE

 

Maybe now that the immediate news--blood, destruction, etc.--has passed, the reporters are looking for new angles to get ink, air, whatever and the service type pieces will begin to show.
As much as we know we are on the front lines, we are only a small part of the overall story.
Amateur radio also got some coverage on NBC Nightly News a few days after the storm hit and there have been a good number of print stories regarding AR and disaster efforts.
Unfortunately, we will NEVER be the lead story, but we are an integral part OF the story and sometimes its takes a good reporter turning over the right stones to find a good story. Sometimes, just making the media contacts months and years in advance will put you in the back of a reporter's mind when it is time to hunt for a radio related piece.
Take a little time now and think about what you would say to a reporter if questioned about disaster relief and even how you would say it. It's not wrong to have a rehearsed anwer ready. Just remember, the reporter doesn't understand QSO, QSL, traffic, cross-links, and every other term we use with other hams. Use plain old English and good grammar.