Shortwave Verification QSL Cards & Letters by Tom Gavaras
QSL cards and letters are official confirmations sent by shortwave radio stations to listeners who report hearing their broadcasts. In radio terminology, "QSL" means "I acknowledge receipt." These items are highly valued by radio enthusiasts (DXers) as both proof of reception and collectible memorabilia.
Typically postcard-sized, QSL cards often feature station logos and/or cultural imagery. They include reception details such as frequency, date, and time. These confirmations serve as personal acknowledgments as well as historical keepsakes, reflecting the global reach and diversity of shortwave broadcasting.
All QSLs featured on this website were received by radio historian Tom Gavaras, primarily during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. They come from international shortwave broadcasters such as the BBC, Radio Moscow, Radio Canada, and Voice of America, along with regional stations located in developing countries. Nearly 220 "broadcast countries" are represented. Most transmissions were received by Tom in Minnesota using a variety of professional and portable shortwave receivers.
Listen to historic shortwave broadcasts and recordings from Tom's archives HERE(opens in new tab).(opens in new tab)
Listen to a “World Band Radio Shortwave Special” that aired on WCCO Radio on September 16, 1990. The program was hosted by WCCO Radio personality Curt Lundgren and included the host of this website, Tom Gavaras. Guests included Dr. Kim Andrew Elliott of the Voice of America and Ian McFarland, host of the Shortwave Listener's Digest on Radio Canada International. WCCO traffic reporter Dean Spratt also joined the program. Curt, Dean, and Tom were all avid shortwave listeners. The program was broadcast in response to the strong interest in shortwave listening during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and was originally intended to last one hour. Due to the many phone calls from listeners, the program was expanded to three and one-half hours that morning. #1(opens in new tab) #2(opens in new tab) #3(opens in new tab) #4(opens in new tab)
