Someone recently asked me about the actual legal difference between putting out a club announcement (QST) and prohibited "broadcasting." It is a great question that comes up often, so I decided to dig into the FCC Part 97 rules to lay out the exact distinction.
What the FCC Defines as Broadcasting
Under 47 CFR § 97.3(a)(10), the FCC explicitly defines broadcasting as:
"Transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed."
Furthermore, 47 CFR § 97.113(b) makes it clear that amateur stations cannot engage in broadcasting:
"An amateur station shall not engage in any form of broadcasting, nor in any activity that is directly related to program production or that is associated with program transmission for radio or television stations."
Amateur radio frequencies are allocated for two-way communications, technical experimentation, and emergency readiness among licensed operators, never for public media, personal podcasting, or entertainment.
Why QST Bulletins Are Permitted
The procedural signal QST means "Calling all radio amateurs." When we transmit a bulletin, our intended audience is strictly fellow licensed hams, not the general public.
The FCC explicitly provides for this under 47 CFR § 97.111(b)(6), which allows one-way transmissions of information bulletins, specifically periodic transmissions of news and technical information directly relating to the amateur radio service (like club meeting details, repeater updates, fox hunts, and ARRL bulletins).
Key Differences at a Glance
- Intended Audience
- QST / Bulletin: Licensed amateur radio operators
- Broadcasting: The general public
- FCC Rule Reference
- QST / Bulletin: § 97.111(b)(6)
- Broadcasting: § 97.3(a)(10) and § 97.113(b)
- Allowed Subject Matter
- QST / Bulletin: Club activities, hamfests, technical info, DX spots
- Broadcasting: General news, music, entertainment, political commentary
- Transmission Nature
- QST / Bulletin: Targeted bulletin directed to the ham community
- Broadcasting: Open-ended distribution for general public ears
- Commercial Involvement
- QST / Bulletin: Strictly non-commercial (§ 97.113)
- Broadcasting: Any media production or commercial connection
The Takeaway
When reading an announcement or net preamble:
- Keep the content amateur-centric: Focus on club business, technical topics, training, and ham activities.
- Remember the audience: Transmissions must be intended for licensed amateurs, not open public broadcasts.
- Follow ID rules: ID every 10 minutes and at the end of the bulletin under § 97.119.
73,
Rob, AE6GE