Parks On The Air: How It Started and Where It's Going

Jason Johnston is the founder and president of the wildly successful Parks on the Air
(POTA) program. With over 325,000 participants since the program’s inception in 2017, Parks
on the Air, and it’s underlying principles, clearly resonates deeply within the ham radio
community. Parks on the Air encourages amateur radio operators to develop the
expertise to operate portably while visiting qualifying national and state parks. The
hams that do so are called Activators and those that make contact with them are
referred to as Hunters. With over 9,000,000 QSO’s logged to-date, and the
rapid expansion of the program worldwide, Parks on the Air has earned a special status
in the ever evolving world of amateur radio.
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[@LambertMatias]

Love POTA. Its got me hooked and excited about the hobby again! Thanks for everything. Cheers and 73!

[@The_Radical-Squadron]

Wow, that is what Jason looks like. Worked him 3 times at the parks.

[@russellhayes911]

Great interview! The POTA staff goes beyond excellence expectations! POTA Activators and Hunters are very appreciative for all the effort put forth for this great program for Ham radio. Thanks and Thanks 73 Russell KE4GTQ.

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

I agree 100%. This is a very hardworking crew at POTA.

[@nrgxpert]

Great interview! I also got back into the hobby recently after a long hiatus and POTA has got me hooked. My first activation was Yosemite National Park and I was giddy with excitement. That feeling still happens during the pileups and occasional DX station calling in. Thanks Jason for getting POTA going and Kevin for a great interview. 73, de WB6MPH

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

Thank you Greg! Jason and his crew have developed something very special and, it appears, very long lasting.

[@dougdaniels]

Nice whisk(e)y collection Jason.

[@treaddirt]

Thank you for this great interview video. I enjoy POTA very much as a returning ham out of hibernation now that I’m retired.

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

I'll be looking for your callsign when activating!

[@Matt61702]

Great work! Thank you for doing this, Kevin and Jason.

[@WilliamParmley]

The manual entry system is great for someone like me who does quick QRP activations, making a few contacts, and logging on paper or with a voice recorder. Very much appreciated!!!

[@hcy0]

POTA is so great - I enjoy it very much.

[@assistantchief51]

Absolutely spot on Kevin with your comment about POTA’s website. The user interface for hunting, logging, and everything else is a crucial element to its success. I’m curious if you asked him about Seal Island!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Excellent Interview Kevin. Thanks for this video, I learned a lot about the program from this video. 73

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

Thanks! I also learned a lot from the conversation and found it helpful to talk directly the person behind this ham radio phenomenon.

[@mw6593]

Great job.....! The best thing about POTA .....is that it is NOT part of ARRL....!

[@G5STU]

Another great interview Kevin, top job 👍

[@de_w8tam]

Great interview! Thanks Kevin and Jason! 73 de w8tam

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

Thank you!

[@davidtheriault7652]

Great video… POTA is awesome! Vote no to POTA contesting…. 73 KO4KHB

[@KI5OLVRADIOACTIVE]

What about getting a special kilo award for 10k at one park 73

[@w1dedworldwidehamradio]

I'd be up for that!

[@WD4DAN]

Please don't classify POTA as a contest - I like 60, 30, 17, 12 meters!