The three letters - QSL - constitute one of the codes originally developed in the days of the telegraph. All codes consisted of three letters beginning with "Q". Later some of these "Q" codes were adopted by radio-telegraphists and radio listeners. QSL means "contact confirmed" or "reception confirmed".
The expression "QSL card" or just "QSL" gradually came to be used among radio-amateurs and then more broadly as radio began to develop as a mass medium. Radio stations were keen to know how well and how far away their programmes could be heard and began to send their listeners "QSL cards" in return for reception reports. The card would include letters making up the "call sign" of the station - the system still used in the United States - or the broadcasting company's logo or some other illustration. The card would also include a text stating the frequency and the transmitter output power, and a confirmation of when the listener heard the station.
Domestic broadcasters do not tend to use QSL cards these days, but their popularity remains among radio stations broadcasting internationally. They are still keen to know how well they can be heard in the parts of the world to which they broadcast. In the era of shortwave broadcasts Radio Prague sent out QSL cards for reception reports received. After curtailing our shortwave transmissions as of February 1, 2011 we will continue issuing QSL cards for reception via the Internet.
We have received a letter from a listener in the United States, Mr Jerry Berg, who has written a book about the history of shortwave radio and the DX hobby. He is the chairperson of a special committee of the Association of North American Radio Clubs aimed at preserving old QSL cards that would otherwise be thrown away. If youd like to know more about the committees work and Jerrys book have a look at his website http://www.ontheshortwaves.com