I was always a big fan of CQ Magazine. It was the first periodical I found when searching for more info on ham radio way back in my long ago. Having been launched in the immediate aftermath of WWII, and before ham radio was turned back “on” was a gutsy move for a new publisher. CQ Magazine enjoyed many years as a top-flight amateur radio publication, and the only significant rival to QST Magazine.

Now CQ Magazine is dead, a casualty of publishing with atoms instead of bits in the unforgiving digital realm of the 21st century. Both CQ and QST made their print magazines available in digital format, but neither modified their formats and content to adjust for new realties. In other words, both tried to make a printed magazine an electronic magazine and CQ failed while QST is failing.

The loss of CQ Magazine goes beyond creating a vacuum in the publishing business. Over the years, CQ had created and sponsored many awards and contests. What is to become of these? Glad you asked. Volunteers have picked up most of the slack. For instance, the DX Marathon continues to thrive and even grow now that it’s under new management.

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) now manages the funds and execution of awards and plaques for the CQ WW DX Contest, CQ WPX Contest, CQ 160 Meter Contest, CQWW VHF Contest, and WW-Digi Contest.

Now comes news from Bob Schenck, N2OO that INDEXA will pick up the ball for the CQ DX Hall of Fame:

When Dick Ross K2MGA (Publisher of CQ Communications, INC) became a “Silent Key”, in April 2024, many wondered about the numerous award programs that were run by CQ Magazine. One very important program was the CQ DX Hall of Fame. Prior to his passing, Dick gave his blessing for the International DX Association (INDEXA) to carry on with this prestigious award, with my guidance, if the magazine ever ceased functioning. As such, I am pleased to announce that INDEXA will begin the stewardship of the Heritage CQ DX Hall of Fame starting with the 2025 inductees.

Despite the loss of an excellent publication, it seems ham radio is covered when it comes to many of the most popular awards and contests thanks to an army of volunteers who continue to carry the torch into the future.