The NRC/DXAS Pittsburgh 2008 event, held from August 29-31, was a significant milestone for the National Radio Club (NRC), which marked its 75th anniversary. This gathering was a celebration of the club’s legacy and a tribute to its founding vision in 1933. Over the years, the NRC has remained a non-profit organization dedicated to the medium wave DX hobby, flourishing due to the tireless efforts of its volunteers. These efforts are reflected in the club’s 23-year-long history of providing valuable educational and entertaining content to its members through various channels like newsletters, QSL cards, and online correspondence. The NRC’s continued success, now as the world’s oldest and largest medium wave club, is a testament to the dedication of its members, both past and present.
The 2008 Pittsburgh convention was special for a number of reasons, including the celebration of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary, Duquesne University’s 130th anniversary, and KQV-1410’s Ray Goss’s 40 years on air. The city’s historic legacy as a hub for industry, from its steel mills to its current advancements in high tech, medicine, and business, provided a fitting backdrop for the event. It also honored the pioneering spirit of figures like George Westinghouse, whose contributions to radio, including the development of alternating current and the founding of Westinghouse Electric, continue to resonate in the industry today.
The planning for the event started in 2007, and with the NRC’s approval, the convention came together in a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The tireless work of many volunteers ensured its success, from organizing registration to technical support for the convention’s radio station, WNRC. Notable contributions included those from Wayne Heinen for PayPal transactions, Dick Truax for treasury oversight, and Paul Swearingen for publicizing the event. Other key figures included Scott Fybush, the “Wizard of Wireless,” who contributed fresh ideas for the convention, and many others who helped coordinate, from the auction to transportation logistics.
The convention’s first day began with a visit to the NBC affiliate WPXI-11, marking the beginning of the event’s series of tours. The station, having relocated to new facilities in 2007, opened its doors for an engaging tour led by engineering managers Frank Bobro and Dave Morrison. This tour showcased the station’s cutting-edge infrastructure, including a satellite center, main studio, and unique camera operator systems that allow one individual to manage multiple cameras. The history of WPXI-11, originally WIIC, was also celebrated, recalling its popular “Studio Wrestling” show from the 1960s and 70s, where personalities like Bill Cardille and legendary wrestler Bruno Sammartino entertained Pittsburgh audiences.
WPXI continues to be a prominent news source in Pittsburgh, now broadcasting with 316 kilowatts visual and 31.5 kW aural from its tower, located a mile away from the station. With upcoming plans for a switch to DT channel 48, WPXI’s legacy in Pittsburgh broadcasting remains strong, and the NRC was grateful for the opportunity to experience their facilities and gain insight into the station’s work.
As the event came to a close, the 2008 convention was celebrated as a great success—a gathering that honored both the city’s and the club’s storied past, while looking forward to future achievements. The dedication and support from members and volunteers ensured that the NRC’s 75th anniversary in Pittsburgh was a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.