Shortwave and reception reports

[GMP]

Do shortwave broadcasters still send QSL cards for reception reports? I haven't heard much on the subject as of late and just wondering if QSLing is a thing of the past. There are a few stations I would like to QSL but just wondering if it is even worth bothering now a days.
Thanks

 

[ka3jjz]

If the QSL column in the NASWA Journal is any indication, the answer is still yes, very much so. However you need to tailor your reports somewhat - the larger broadcasters appreciate comments on the programming and how well the signal was being heard (as discussed at great lengths during past Winterfests). The smaller tropical band stations are a harder nut to crack.

best regards..Mike

 

[k9rzz]

While QSL cards from the AM broadcast band are pretty rare, I believe most shortwave broadcasters would provide a QSL in exchange for a good reception report (WWV and CHU included). I don't think there are as many listeners requesting them, but listening to the 'mailbag' programs of Radio Havana Cuba and such, they always seem to have a stream of correspondence. Some of the more sophisticated pirates will send a card right over the air via SSTV that you can decode right on your computer. Maybe the major broadcasters should do that during certain shows!

 

[AlaskaMike]

Over the past 6 months I got QSL cards from Radio New Zealand, NHK Radio Japan, and Radio Rossi. Many broadcasters now have submission forms on their websites where you can submit reception reports. Radio New Zealand actually sent me a link to my QSL card where I could download and print it.

The QSL card from Radio Rossi, while interesting, is a far cry from the propaganda package a friend of mine got when he sent them a reception report in the early 1980s. Great stuff describing the wonders and benefits of the "glorious workers' paradise". Of course back then they were Radio Moscow. Interestingly, that propaganda package had already been opened by the local FBI office but that's not much of a surprise given the timeframe.

 

[ridgescan]

Well I requested cards from Radio Australia and VOA and it has been months with no luck. I just have one solitary card from AFRTS Guam thanks to ka3jjz Mike steering me to request one (thanks Mike) and I had that card within 2 weeks! EDIT: I should add that I know for a fact according to their website, the BBC does not issue QSLs-they say they have their own monitors in place

 

[ridgescan]

...then low and behold, air mail from Australia today BUT-no QSL card. Apparently because I didn't include heard program content, they want me to start over. So now that I know this, I will submit again and let you guys know two months down the road
Meantime, I did request a QSL from Radio New Zealand last night and luckily, they ask you the questions they want info on in their site, so I did a proper request there. We'll see if I can get one from them.
Australia did send me a neat program guide and frequency guide so I have something to chew on till they throw the big bone

 

[k9rzz]

Details details. Don't they trust you??

 

[ridgescan]

You're the one here with an extensive QSL collection-you tell me? I even sent the video link and they said they appreciated it but still needed proof "in print"
This is understandable, it makes me know that they take reception reports seriously there as they should

 

[k9rzz]

Just casual listening today, both WYFR and Radio Bulgaria mentioned at the top of the hour that they do QSL. I know that Radio Havana Cuba does as well. Send them a good report though, you've got to EARN it! :^]

 

[gcgrotz]

I got an email QSL from RNZ recently in less than a day. Maybe it was because I told them they were 30 over?

I know, an email is not the same as an actual card. I have a small pile of them myself.