W.H.Smith deals body-blow to amateur radio

In the August issue of Practical Wireless the editor Rob Mannion G3XDF tells us that UK national magazine retailer W.H.Smith, plan to stock only the "Top 100" Magazines in future.

Needless to say, radio magazines like Practical Wireless, Radio Active and Short Wave Magazine aren't anywhere near the Top 100, so we could well see them disappear from High Street outlets. They would effectively become subscription only publications in much of the country!

Customers of W.H.Smiths (that's you!) need to let the Manager of their local branch know their feelings on this matter. If no one complains, this will go ahead and PW/RA/SWM will vanish from the shelves.

You could also consider complaining to the Managers of your local Tesco, ASDA-Wal-Mart and Sainsbury's about the fact that you can't get your favourite Amateur Radio Magazine in their supermarkets.

Many Amateurs first found out about the hobby by seeing a copy of PW / RA / SWM in their local newsagents. Unless we act now, amateur radio magazines will no longer be available to the general public and we will have lost a valuable means of promoting the hobby.

73

Trevor M5AKA
Deputy RSGB Regional Manager District 123 (Essex)