SOUTH EAST ASIA DXING: 'Tis the season for festive greeting cards and souvenirs

Saturday, December 22, 2012

'Tis the season for festive greeting cards and souvenirs

Atlantic 2000 International eCard

'Tis the season once again for festive greeting cards and souvenirs from radio stations around the world. In the closing weeks of December I have received eCards from Atlantic 2000 International in France and Radio Alcaravan in Colombia. Calendars from KBS World Radio and have arrived too. In all likelihood this will continue well into the first few months of 2013, given the provision I contacted a particular station in the past year, their database contains my address and the station sends out these items.

Radio Alcaravan eCard

Perhaps it is as much the old advertising guy in me as it is the radio enthusiast who welcomes the arrival of these tokens of appreciation. On the one hand, I am quite aware these are the tools of the advertising / marketing trade and designed to promote their station and country. Yet, on the other hand, I sense these stations genuinely do value their listeners and wish to encourage us to stay tuned in the coming year.

Desktop calendar from KBS

As more and more radio stations leave the short-wave band or reduce their broadcast hours and language services, these souvenirs are becoming treasured momentos just as valuable as the QSL. Last year alone, we sadly saw the end of Radio Bulgaria International, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, Radio Canada International and a few more notable international broadcasters. Who knew at the time we would no longer hear their staple of wonderful programmes and never again receive their greetings and souvenirs.

Radio Ukraine International

With this little reminder, let us as listeners be more attentive and listen to these radio stations, especially those broadcasting on the short-wave and medium-wave bands. Who knows how much longer they will occupy the airwaves. Even Web Radio / Internet stations deserve attention, particularly the former short-wave broadcasters, such as Radio Ukraine International and Voice of Malaysia, who turned to this medium due to financial, organisational and/or governmental policy. If we truly value our hobby, let us show our support with a "Thank You Note" and a reception report or two in the coming year. They deserve our loyalty.