Carl Smith, N4AA, SK

QRZ DX and The DX Magazine Publisher and Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, of Asheville, North Carolina, has passed away on 20th October 2017, aged 77.

Smith was an active Ham, with interest throughout the hobby including being an active DX'er, Carl was first licensed in 1954 as WN0YFT. In 2012, Smith was inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame.

In the 1970s, Smith was instrumental in the formation of the Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society and served a few terms as president. Through WCARS, he instituted the annual Asheville Hamfest. WCARS became a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator in the 1980s.

He also established the KB4C Miriam Smith Award, in memory of his late wife. The award, presented annually by the ARRL Roanoke Division, honors an Amateur Radio operator from Western North Carolina who has demonstrated an active commitment to public service and emergency communication through ARES/RACES.

Smith was among the founders of the SouthEastern DX and Contesting Organization (SEDCO) W4DXCC Convention, and his wife’s call sign is used on the air at the annual convention and for various operating activities.

Newburgh Teen Supports with Amateur Radio

Teenage Amateur/Ham Radio Operator  Sean Flynn KD2BFI has been promoting the hobby in a recent discussion with his local media.
 
With hurricane season causing much disruption across the states and Caribbean, operators like Sean have been helping out.
 
The seventeen-year-old discussed how amateur radio fills the void in communication, works with other agencies and brings together people with the spirit of amateur radio.
 
Media Story - http://www.recordonline.com/news/20171001/845-life-newburgh-teen-is-real-pro-with-amateur-radio

Ajit Pai Confirmed for 2nd FCC Term

The US Senate has confirmed the current FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai for a second term. Pai would have had to leave the FCC at the end of the year, had he not been reconfirmed.

President Donald Trump nominated Pai for a new term in January 2017 his previous term as a commissioner had expired on 1st July 2016, and his new term is retroactive to that date. FCC rules permitted him to remain until the end of 2016.

The final tally was 52-41, with voting generally along party lines, although he picked up votes from four Democratic senators.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

“I am deeply grateful to the US Senate for confirming my nomination to serve a second term at the FCC and to President Trump for submitting that nomination to the Senate. Since January, the Commission has focused on bridging the digital divide, promoting innovation, protecting consumers and public safety, and making the FCC more open and transparent. With today’s vote, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance these critical priorities in the time to come.”

— FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

Pai has primarily drawn fire for his opposition to so-called “net neutrality” rules. All five members of the FCC must be confirmed by the Senate, but the president chooses which will serve as the chairman.