WRTH to Cease Publication of Printed Book After 2026

[Radio99]

Part of the email I received today:
An Important Message to the WRTH Community

Dear Friends of WRTH,

As we approach the publication of the 80th edition of the World Radio TV Handbook (WRTH 2026), we find ourselves at both a moment of celebration and of change. For eight decades, WRTH has been a constant companion to radio listeners, broadcasters, and enthusiasts worldwide. We know that many of you treasure the annual arrival of the printed book, and it is with great care and reflection that we share the following news.

The Final Printed Edition
WRTH 2026 will be the last edition to appear in print. After this milestone 80th edition, WRTH will move entirely to digital formats—our regularly updated Web App and the twice-yearly E-book (Winter and Summer schedules). This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The printed WRTH has been part of the identity of our community, and we understand what it means to see it come to a close.

Why This Change Is Necessary
Over the past years, the costs of producing WRTH in print have risen sharply. Printing, paper, tariffs, shipping, and logistics have all become increasingly expensive and difficult to manage. Despite our best efforts to absorb these pressures, continuing to publish in print on a yearly basis is no longer sustainable. In order for WRTH to survive as a publication, and continue serving the global broadcasting community, we must adapt.

Pre-Order Only: A Collector’s Edition
The WRTH 2026 printed book will be available exclusively through pre-order, with delivery scheduled for December 2025. There will be no launch stock or reprints. Once pre-orders close, the book will not be available again. This makes WRTH 2026 a true collector’s edition—our final tribute in print to 80 years of The World’s Most Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Guide to Broadcasting.

Pre-orders will open on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and close on Friday, October 31, 2025. Please watch our communication channels for the official announcement, and subscribe to our newsletter to always stay up-to-date:

Newsletter - WRTH

The World ’s Most Comprehensiveand Up-to-Date Guide to Broadcasting Stay tuned, stay informed, stay connected Join our community of enthusiasts and experts. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, exclusive content, special offers, and insights directly in your inbox. Subscribe...

wrth.info

While I understand this is the digital age, I'm sorry to see the printed book go away.

 

[K4EET]

<snip> While I understand this is the digital age, I'm sorry to see the printed book go away.

Me too… I grew up as a teenager in the 70’s and cut my teeth using the WRTH print copy as I became increasingly interested in SWL using a vintage Signal Corps BC-348 military receiver. That handbook was indispensable. I might pre-order the 80th edition print copy as a tribute to the true reference book that it was and still is. Sniff 😢

 

[kc2asb]

Sad news. When I bought the 2022 edition, I thought it was mentioned that it would be the printed edition.

WRTH and Passport to Worldband Radio are (were) indespensible resources. Without them (and Popular Communications) I would not have logged as many stations / countries as I have. Also, the receiver reviews were excellent

It's a mistake to do away with printed newspapers and publications, IMHO. We can't put all of our eggs in the internet basket.

 

[Marcy57]

Me too… I grew up as a teenager in the 70’s and cut my teeth using the WRTH print copy as I became increasingly interested in SWL using a vintage Signal Corps BC-348 military receiver. That handbook was indispensable. I might pre-order the 80th edition print copy as a tribute to the true reference book that it was and still is. Sniff 😢

Yes got my first WRTVH in 78 and followed (when I could being in the Army) yearly after that and there were all the others had like every Klingenfuss, Ferrell,s CFL Confidental frequency List (book) and now I use Roland Proesch Frequency Handbook for Radio Monitoring few years old but great book...for (utility monitoring) . 73,s Marcy

 

[dlwtrunked]

Yes got my first WRTVH in 78 and followed (when I could being in the Army) yearly after that and there were all the others had like every Klingenfuss, Ferrell,s CFL Confidental frequency List (book) and now I use Roland Proesch Frequency Handbook for Radio Monitoring few years old but great book...for (utility monitoring) . 73,s Marcy

Proesch still publishes (as does Klingenfuss). I have the Proesch Frequency Handbook for Radio Monitoring HF next to me as well as the Klingenfuss Utility Guide 2025/2026 and Klingenfuss Shortwave Guide 2025. Most recent Technical Handbook for Radio Monitoring HF (two volumes) that I have is 2019. (*Be warned*: Many vendors are selling old edition as the current edition.)

 

[Marcy57]

There was a book I purchased not well known I think? Monteria HF Monitoring handbook (thing is huge!)
it was quite expensive it was 2005 but I thought it was excellent in my opinion for utility monitoring I still
use it almost daily sure alot is obsolete but there is stuff in there I have never seen anywhere else but it
is getting pretty beat up from use ...I do not think you can get it anymore 2005 was last it was available?
73,s Marcy

 

[Marcy57]

It was a long time ago like 2005 think I paid like $80 for it? not even sure who I ordered from? but it came from Mount Airy, MD. I tried to find it agn on the internet but been so long not much on it not even a pic that I could find, my cover is gone back and front wore off so I cannot even post a pic of it...had some good pics in there too of radios and op,s stations alot of info from front to back on all sorts of Digital stuff on HF...Marcy

 

[dlwtrunked]

There was a book I purchased not well known I think? Monteria HF Monitoring handbook (thing is huge!)
it was quite expensive it was 2005 but I thought it was excellent in my opinion for utility monitoring I still
use it almost daily sure alot is obsolete but there is stuff in there I have never seen anywhere else but it
is getting pretty beat up from use ...I do not think you can get it anymore 2005 was last it was available?
73,s Marcy

I also have that and supplement items from them. Yes, 822 page book.The company disappeared as suddenly as it appeared as did their website hfutilitiesguide. com. Very mysterious company with total unknowns in the hobby running it while it existed with information found nowhere else.

 

[Marcy57]

Wow...I thought like I was the only one who ever got that book! (kidding) but I have mentioned it around in circles and nobody really knew of it ...it was expensive ...but it does have real! lot in it modes, frequencies, all sorts of stuff I really like it ...thanks...73,s Marcy

 

[dlwtrunked]

Wow...I thought like I was the only one who ever got that book! (kidding) but I have mentioned it around in circles and nobody really knew of it ...it was expensive ...but it does have real! lot in it modes, frequencies, all sorts of stuff I really like it ...thanks...73,s Marcy

You are the first person I have encountered who also had it. I also had several of their CDROMS with other relevant information. Address for them was a house in the middle of nowhere U.S. but infor mation was clearly from collection outside normal circles. I considered it possible the company was a government contractor making money on the side. Much of the listings were found no where else.

 

[Marcy57]

Yes . same here all I had was the book but still luv it...by the way I sent you a PM about info on the book...regards, Marcy

 

[Marcy57]

Yes, you are correct the stuff that was in there you will never see in any other book ! not saying it,s 100% but damn close to it!...73,s Marcy