CQ Amateur Radio

CQ Amateur Radio. It is a monthly magazine dedicated to the global amateur radio community, first published in January 1945. The publication serves as a central resource for technical articles, operating news, and hobbyist activities, chronicling the evolution of wireless communication. Its name derives from the procedural signal "CQ," a general call used by radio operators worldwide.

History

The magazine was founded by Owen D. Young, an industrialist and former chairman of the General Electric company, who saw the potential for a post-war publication supporting the resurgence of amateur radio. Its inaugural issue emerged shortly after the Federal Communications Commission lifted wartime restrictions on amateur transmissions. Early contributors included notable figures like Clinton B. DeSoto, author of the seminal work 200 Meters and Down, which documented the early history of the hobby. Throughout the Cold War, the magazine covered significant developments such as the launch of OSCAR 1, the first amateur radio satellite, and the burgeoning field of moonbounce communication. It has chronicled major events like the World Administrative Radio Conference and disasters where amateur radio provided critical emergency communication, such as during Hurricane Katrina.

Publication details

Published by CQ Communications, Inc., the magazine maintains a monthly schedule with its editorial offices historically based in Hicksville, New York. The publisher also produces other related periodicals including Popular Communications and WorldRadio Online. Each issue is distributed internationally through subscription services and is available at major retailers, reaching a global audience of licensed operators and enthusiasts. The publication has adapted to digital formats, offering electronic editions alongside its traditional print version. Key staff have included editors like Richard S. Moses and Wayne Overbeck, who have guided its editorial direction for decades.

Content and features

A typical issue contains a wide array of columns and articles focusing on technical construction projects, antenna design, and reviews of new equipment from manufacturers like Icom and Yaesu. Regular columns cover specialized activities such as DXing, contesting through events like the CQ World Wide DX Contest, Amateur radio direction finding, and QRP operation. The magazine is known for its extensive awards program, including the prestigious CQ DX Award and the Worked All Zones certificate, which promote on-air achievement. It also provides in-depth coverage of regulatory updates from the International Telecommunication Union and propagation forecasts using data from organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Impact on amateur radio

The publication has profoundly influenced the culture and technical advancement of the hobby by popularizing operating awards and contesting, which drive much of the activity on the high frequency bands. Its consistent documentation of emerging technologies, from single-sideband modulation to digital modes like FT8, has educated generations of operators. The magazine's support for Amateur Radio Emergency Service initiatives has highlighted the critical public service role of radio amateurs during events like the September 11 attacks and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. By fostering a sense of global community, it has connected operators across borders, from those in the American Radio Relay League to members of the Japan Amateur Radio League.

Recognition and awards

The magazine and its staff have received numerous accolades from within the amateur radio community, including the Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award. Its innovative contest and awards programs are recognized worldwide, with endorsements from prestigious institutions like the Radio Society of Great Britain. The publication itself has been honored for editorial excellence, contributing to the preservation and promotion of wireless heritage as recognized by museums such as the Antique Wireless Association. These honors reflect its enduring role as a cornerstone publication in the field of non-commercial radio communication. Category:Amateur radio magazines Category:Monthly magazines published in the United States Category:Publications established in 1945