Thanks to Bob Padula for posting the links to an interesting article on amateur radio. I agree, radio is far from over and out !Gayle VH
The Melbourne Age newspaper of July 7 2011 published a long article "Ham Radio far from over or out" about the amazing rebirth of amateur radio in Australia.
Reasons cited for this rejuvenation include the growing disenchantment and impersonal nature of social networking (eg Facebook, Twitter, etc), the introduction of the no-Morse test for the foundation licence, and the integration and convergence of digital technologies for amateur radio communications.
About 20,000 Australians now have amateur licences, with a growing number of women and younger children having taken up the hobby.
While diehards are lamenting the rapid demise of passive shortwave radio, perhaps amateur radio might be something to think about?
Read the full article at:
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/ham-radio-far-from-over-or-out-20110706-1h135.html
Full details about gaining an Amateur licence in Australia are at the ACMA's website:
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1255#ma
Regards from Melbourne!
Bob Padula