{"id":11508,"date":"2014-12-23T13:13:45","date_gmt":"2014-12-23T17:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=11508"},"modified":"2014-12-23T13:13:45","modified_gmt":"2014-12-23T17:13:45","slug":"the-spectrum-monitor-only-24-for-a-years-subscription","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/the-spectrum-monitor-only-24-for-a-years-subscription\/","title":{"rendered":"The Spectrum Monitor: only $24 for a year’s subscription"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"December14Cover.1\"<\/a>On occasion,\u00a0the things you\u00a0enjoy\u00a0most,<\/strong> you forget to share with your friends. Not sure why this happens, but this is certainly the case with the Spectrum Monitor <\/em>magazine (TSM)<\/em><\/a>. I’m long overdue to properly pitch TSM\u00a0<\/em>to my readers, which I feel is\u00a0an absolute bargain\u00a0at just $24 per year.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why? Many of you may recall that it was only July of last year when we learned about the closure of The Monitoring Times<\/em> magazine<\/a>. \u00a0I had always\u00a0loved the magazine\u2013not only were the management and editors a great group, but\u00a0the magazine content was some of the best in the communications business when I began\u00a0writing features and reviews for MT<\/em>. But the owners of MT,<\/em> Bob and Judy Grove, were ready to retire; ultimately, they\u00a0decided to close their magazine down rather than sell it off.<\/p>\n

Shortly after the announcement, MT<\/em>‘s managing editor, Ken Reitz (KS4ZR)<\/strong>, decided to make a go of a new publication. Albeit wholly digital, this magazine was to\u00a0cover\u00a0the same scope and content depth as MT<\/em>, and would be known as\u00a0The Spectrum Monitor (TSM)<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In January of this year, TSM<\/em> launched, and like many SWLing Post<\/em> readers, I was eager to see if the content met the benchmark MT<\/em> had set for so many years.<\/p>\n

I needn’t have worried. \u00a0Ken had corralled\u00a0many excellent contributors, in many cases\u00a0drawing upon previous writers for MT.<\/em>\u00a0 And in the past year, I don’t believe it’s a stretch to say that in many respects,\u00a0TSM<\/em> not only met<\/em> that benchmark, but has actually even exceeded<\/em> it<\/strong>.\u00a0 TSM<\/em>\u00a0is now\u2013unquestionably\u2013a good, solid, thoroughly enjoyable\u00a0publication.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each issue is packed with topics covering the radio spectrum: shortwave, ham radio, vintage radio, pirate radio, scanning, public service, satellite, AM\/medium wave and host of digital\/mobile technologies, as well. Really, everything a listener could hope for.<\/p>\n

\"November2014Cover\"<\/a>\u00a0Initially, I had my doubts. \u00a0I frankly\u00a0wasn’t sure whether\u00a0I’d like reading a “digital-only” radio publication, or whether other readers would. I confess to being a bit “old school;” as a radio listener, I like to hold a radio in my hands, to\u00a0physically tune it; as a reader, I prefer\u00a0holding a printed publication in hand, to turn\u00a0the (paper) pages…How would I feel with an e-reader or laptop, instead? Would reading that way feel like work?<\/p>\n

But TSM soon swayed me toward the digital as both reader and<\/em>\u00a0as a columnist.<\/strong> As a writer, there was less stress on word count. If it was a bit short, or lengthy\u2013\u00a0as my October column<\/a>\u00a0was\u2013I soon found it mattered less. In a digital publication, page count is comparatively\u00a0irrelevant as long as content is worthwhile and captivating for the reader. \u00a0And as a reader, I appreciated that the columnists that I was reading would have the freedom to write at length, too.<\/p>\n

Secondly, a digital publication gave its writers an opportunity to infuse columns with a\u00a0multi-media element\u2013something I’d become accustomed to as a blogger here on the SWLing Post<\/em>. When I published\u00a0a review of a radio, I could include actual audio clips in the article. If I wrote about pirate radio<\/a>, for example, I could embed actual pirate radio recordings. Brilliant! And, again, more fun for the reader.<\/p>\n

Also, including links or references to external websites is a cinch in a digital format, and quite easy for\u00a0the reader to check out. Instead of copying a long gangly URL from a printed page, you simply click on a link as you would on a website, such as on this one. Second nature, really.<\/p>\n

\"FEB2014Cover\"<\/a>Finally, in a digital publication, I found writers could\u00a0use more full-color images in their\u00a0articles.\u00a0I really enjoy the addition of the\u00a0images; they make articles come to life…<\/p>\n

So, I soon learned to relax with the e-reader just as I had with the printed Monitoring Times.<\/em>\u00a0 No pages to turn, but then again, not so different from reading…well,\u00a0a blog like this<\/a>. \u00a0I’ve received\u00a0excellent feedback from TSM<\/em> readers, too, many of whom admitted their\u00a0initial bias against\u00a0a “digital” magazine had since been withdrawn completely.<\/p>\n

I continue to enjoy reading TSM<\/em>\u00a0every month. \u00a0And although–due to time constraints–I’m no longer TSM<\/em>‘s\u00a0primary shortwave radio columnist, I still enjoy writing for TSM<\/em>\u00a0when time permits, so you will see my reviews and features pop up in\u00a0TSM<\/em> now and again.<\/p>\n

But why take my word for it? \u00a0Check it out for yourself<\/a>\u2013it’s one of the best magazines\u00a0for the radio\u00a0enthusiast, digital or print…<\/strong>And at only $24 annual cost, it’s a terrific and affordable last minute Christmas gift<\/strong> for a friend, family member, or–let’s be honest–for yourself.<\/p>\n

Afraid to commit to a one year subscription? Individual issues of TSM<\/em> are available online for $3 each<\/a>. If you like what you’re reading (you will), you can then purchase a one year subscription, and the cost of your issue will be refunded.<\/p>\n

If you’re lucky enough to receive a subscription to TSM<\/em>\u00a0in your stocking, I can assure you that you’re in for a real treat. \u00a0Happy reading!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On occasion,\u00a0the things you\u00a0enjoy\u00a0most, you forget to share with your friends. Not sure why this happens, but this is certainly the case with the Spectrum Monitor magazine (TSM). I’m long overdue to properly pitch TSM\u00a0to my readers, which I feel is\u00a0an absolute bargain\u00a0at just $24 per year. Why? Many of you may recall that it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,508,1114,545,960,2436,3,43],"tags":[2277,1953,2275],"class_list":["post-11508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-art-2","category-digital-modes","category-ham-radio","category-international-broadcasting","category-longwave","category-news","category-shortwave-radio","tag-ken-reitz-ks4zr","tag-monitoring-times","tag-the-spectrum-monitor"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-2ZC","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7604,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2013\/10\/the-spectrum-monitor-a-new-radio-magazine-finds-a-home-in-the-digital-world\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":0},"title":"The Spectrum Monitor: a new radio magazine finds a home in the digital world","author":"Thomas","date":"October 23, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"I'm happy to announce that there is a new radio magazine on the horizon: The Spectrum Monitor (TSM). The Spectrum Monitor,\u00a0an e-magazine, will cover \u00a0amateur radio, longwave and shortwave listening, public service scanning, AM\/FM\/TV broadcasting, satellites, WiFi radio, vintage radio and more. I have agreed to be the shortwave radio\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The SpectrumMonitor","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/The-SpectrumMonitor-300x285.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15361,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/the-spectrum-monitor-2015-radio-buyers-guide\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":1},"title":"The Spectrum Monitor 2015 Radio Buyer’s Guide","author":"Thomas","date":"October 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're a subscriber of\u00a0The Spectrum Monitor\u00a0(TSM)\u00a0magazine, you're in for a treat this month: the November issue is the TSM annual Radio Buyer's Guide. Many SWLing Post readers know that I write occasional features and reviews for TSM. Since the November issue will feature my shortwave radio buyer's guide, I\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"TheSpectrumMonitor","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/TheSpectrumMonitor.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/TheSpectrumMonitor.png?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/TheSpectrumMonitor.png?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/TheSpectrumMonitor.png?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":42729,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/got-some-extra-time-to-read-subscribe-to-the-spectrum-monitor\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":2},"title":"Got some extra time to read? Subscribe to The Spectrum Monitor!","author":"Thomas","date":"April 26, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"While most of us across the planet are sheltering at home due to the C-19 pandemic, we have a little extra time to catch up on reading. I subscribe to (and write features for) a number of radio publications, but the best bargain on the planet must be The Spectrum\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Screen-Shot-2020-04-26-at-07.55.56.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":51933,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/the-2021-milcom-files-now-available-on-amazon\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":3},"title":"The 2021 Milcom Files now available on Amazon","author":"Thomas","date":"February 19, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to Teak Publishing who shares the following press release: The 2021 Milcom Files - TSM Edition - Now Available on Amazon Recent world events continue to draw many radio listeners into their radio shacks to tune in on the action using their shortwave radios. software-defined radios, and programmable\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Books"","block_context":{"text":"Books","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/books\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/The-Milcom-Files-2021-MUOS-Cover.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":45597,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/lab599-discovery-tx-500-review-in-september-issue-of-tsm\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":4},"title":"lab599 Discovery TX-500 review in September issue of TSM","author":"Thomas","date":"September 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"I've gotten a number of inquiries regarding my lab599 TX-500 review. It is featured in the current (October 2020) issue of The Spectrum Monitor magazine: As you can see from the cover, there are a number of fascinating articles in this issue (click here for a list of all topics\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TSMOctober2020cover-TX-500.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TSMOctober2020cover-TX-500.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TSMOctober2020cover-TX-500.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TSMOctober2020cover-TX-500.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":28379,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/09\/roberts-reviews-and-how-tos\/","url_meta":{"origin":11508,"position":5},"title":"Robert’s reviews and how-tos","author":"Thomas","date":"September 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Like a few of us contributors here on the SWLing Post, Robert Gulley (AK3Q), writes features for The Spectrum Monitor magazine\u00a0(TSM). \u00a0Robert and I are both passionate supports of TSM--for a mere $24 per year, you get a monthly digital magazine that is simply chock-full of articles covering all aspects\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/SX-99-Dial-Nar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/SX-99-Dial-Nar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/SX-99-Dial-Nar.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/SX-99-Dial-Nar.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11508"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11508\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}