GB2RS long service

GB2RS News was first broadcast on Sunday 25 September 1955 from the station of Frank Hicks-Arnold G6MB on 3600kHz using voice amplitude modulation.

What is less well-known is that the RSGB had been in discussions with the UK regulator, then the General Post Office, for some time about the feasibility of such a news service for UK radio amateurs. As part of its practicability evidence for the GPO, some experimental broadcasts were arranged by the RSGB on 40 metres.

These test transmissions took place from the station of Jimmy Porter GI3GGY in Londonderry during 1954 using his own callsign. The GPO then agreed initially to the news taking place in the 80 metre band on Sundays using the callsign GB2RS.

A year later they permitted these bulletins to be broadcast on 40 metres as well and these were put out by GI3GGY using the GB2RS callsign. GI3GGY has been involved ever since, and he has thus been a GB2RS news reader for more than 50 years—longer than anyone else.

Earlier this year Jimmy's massive HF type LPH9 16-element log periodic antenna was severely damaged by gales. The antenna tower was some 90 feet high. Jimmy has been unable to get the structure repaired and has therefore, reluctantly, stated that he wishes to stand down as an HF news reader.

Accordingly, today, 5th October, the RSGB has appointed Jon Hague, GM3JIJ to take over the news broadcasts on 7150kHz using LSB commencing at 10.30am local time. Listeners should note that this is 30 minutes later than the previous GI3GGY readings.

The RSGB wishes to pay tribute to Jimmy's dedication as a news reader over more than 50 years, and also thank his assistant reader June, GI4MJD, for acting as back up. They will continue to read the local news on 2 metres FM for the Londonderry area.

Martyn Phillips, G3RFX, has been carrying out the 7MHz readings over the last few months and will continue to act as a back-up reader for GM3JIJ - who will welcome reception reports from the UK and Northern Europe. Due to the current sunspot minimum, listeners are unlikely to hear the reading unless they are more than 400 miles or 650km distant from Stornoway, Jon's Scottish Western Isles QTH. UK listeners south of Birmingham should be successful.

If you would like to volunteer as an assistant 7MHz news reader, then please contact the GB2RS News Service Manager Gordon, G3LEQ, on 01 565 652 652 or email him via gb2rs<at>ntlworld.com.

Source: RSGB