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 Previous: Making a Voice Contact with the International Space Station |  Next: Space QSO Helps Introduce Amateur Radio to German Students |
NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 15, 2006--The first components of the ARRL's "Hello" Amateur Radio public relations campaign now are available. "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," says ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, who conceived the campaign and is its principal Headquarters contact. The "Hello" campaign is aimed at recasting Amateur Radio in the light of the 21st century and focus on its universal appeal. At the same time, it will mark the 100th anniversary of what many historians consider the first voice radio broadcast in 1906 by Reginald Fessenden.
 Ham radio allows hundreds of youngsters each year like these at Central Park Middle School in Schenectady, New York to speak directly with the crew of the International Space Station. |
"For years, ARRL public information officers (PIOs) and others interested in promoting Amateur Radio have been looking for leadership and a rallying point from which we can join together in a major promotion for ham radio," Pitts said. This is it! Tools include a distinctive "Hello" Web site and radio and TV public service announcements.
Pitts describes the promotion is "quite simply the largest PR campaign that ham radio has ever attempted." Based on the word "Hello," which he 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" Web site is designed for non-hams to learn a little bit about Amateur Radio and to arouse more interest, Pitts explains. "We stay upbeat, positive and hopeful. Nothing threatening, too difficult or scary is included."
Offering a Warm Welcome
 Copies of the special four-page "Hello" brochure are available from ARRL Headquarters. |
Pitts says the site points prospective Amateur Radio licensees to groups that have indicated they will provide a warm welcome to newcomers--a good "Hello!" 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 key to creating a new ham operator is to develop a relationship with a current ham operator," says Pitts, who spent the better part of the past year meeting with various ham radio groups and leaders to sort out "what could realistically be done" to make the campaign take off. Behind the effort is "an army of dedicated, truly motivated PIOs and others who want to see ham radio flourish," Pitts says.
"I believe that by placing good tools into your hands, you will use this opportunity to the fullest," he added. "There will be more to come as the year unfolds."
What's Available Now?
A series of 30-second radio public service announcements (PSAs) has been developed for the "Hello" campaign. The plan is make a new one available about every eight weeks. These "mini-commercials" for ham radio are already being played on dozens of stations across the country, and the numbers keep growing.
"You can help by downloading the PSAs from the ARRL Web site onto a CD and taking it to your own local radio station," Pitts suggests.
 ARRL Field Day, held the fourth weekend in June, offers a great opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to young and old alike. |
 Experienced radio amateurs like ARRL Web Youth Contributing Editor Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM (left), "Elmer" or mentor younger licensees or prospective licensees. |
A broadcast-quality video for the "Hello" campaign will be available in April.
Copies of the special four-page "Hello" brochure are available from ARRL Headquarters for use during presentations to non-ham groups. (Full details on the "Hello" campaign plus a pull-out copy of the brochure are available in the April issue of QST.) Pitts suggests the brochures are suitable for talks to schools, clubs, displays and other venues promoting Amateur Radio to the public. There is a space on the back page to add your local club info.
"For 100 years, the magic of the human voice over radio has brought imaginations to life. It opened a whole new era of human communication," the brochure declares, urging, "It's your world. Get on the radio and say "Hello."
To obtain copies, e-mail the "Hello" campaign. Donations are welcome (make checks out to "ARRL") to help cover return postage to ARRL, Public Relations, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
"Hello" logo bumper stickers will be on sale through the ARRL on-line catalog. Buttons for the "Hello" campaign will be available at Dayton Hamvention and at other major Amateur Radio events. Banners for the "Hello" campaign will be flying at Dayton Hamvention and at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in April. After that, they will be made available for use at major events in 2006.
Ham Radio on the New Main Street
The "Hello" 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 FCC action--anticipated this year--to drop the Morse code requirement at least for General class applicants.
"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 says. "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 primary focus of the campaign."
| Previous: Making a Voice Contact with the International Space Station | Next: Space QSO Helps Introduce Amateur Radio to German Students |
