NEWINGTON, CT, Feb 14, 2006--A new ARRL public relations campaign set to launch this April will cast Amateur Radio in the light of the 21st century and focus on its universal appeal, even in today's already technology-rich society. At the same time, the "Hello" campaign will note the 100th anniversary of what many historians consider the first voice radio broadcast in 1906 by Reginald Fessenden.
"It is quite simply the largest PR campaign that ham radio has ever attempted," says ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP. Based on the word "Hello," which Pitts calls "possibly the most pleasant word in any language," the coordinated campaign will set "a positive, upbeat tone that highlights the international capabilities of Amateur Radio," he explained.
The "Hello" campaign will aim to reframe Amateur Radio within a contemporary context. "ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, was correct in stating that the Main Street of today is not the same as the Main Street of yesteryear," Pitts went on to say. "To reach out today, the very first requirement is that Amateur Radio operators be perceived as friendly and trustworthy. That's a true public relations goal and the prime focus of the campaign."
Pitts says it's not helpful to lament the time in decades
past when Amateur Radio grew pretty much on its own, without too much effort on
the part of clubs and individuals. "Only our combined, effective action will do
that today," Pitts says. "This campaign will give hams the tools they need to
reach out in their communities to non-hams and influence their perception of
Amateur Radio."
 Reginald Fessenden (right) with two colleagues in his Brant Rock, Massachusetts, laboratory. [North Carolina Division of Archives and History Photo] |
The national "Hello" campaign can bring curious people into contact with ham radio groups, but it will be up to local radio amateurs to make them truly welcome, Pitts maintains.
The "Hello" campaign is designed to gain momentum as the year progresses. Components will include the release of public service announcements for use by radio and TV broadcasters and a video for meetings, presentations and even broadcast. Other highlights will include a "Hello" campaign Web site and special operating events. The high point of the "Hello" campaign will come in December on the centennial of Fessenden's first radio broadcast.
History recalls that the Canadian-born and educated Fessenden, using an early alternator, transmitted the first audio radio broadcast from his laboratory in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. Radio operators aboard ships at sea--tipped off in advance to be listening for something special--were astounded to hear Fessenden's broadcast that included the scientist and inventor playing "O Holy Night" on the violin and reading a Bible passage.
The campaign will show that despite the Internet and other technologies, the possibility of being able to talk with everyday people around the world and sometimes in exotic locales--coupled with the surprise, art and uncertainty of DXing--remains a major attraction for Amateur Radio. The "Hello" campaign also will take advantage of likely FCC action this year to drop the Morse code requirement at least for General class applicants.
"We all say we want to make a change for the better for
Amateur Radio and get others interested," Pitts said. "This is the time, this
is the chance. Stay tuned! More to come!"
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