For Longmont Amateur Radio Club President Chuck Poch, the program is not only a fun event for the holidays but also an opportunity to promote amateur, or ham, radio.

“It’s a hobby that’s still around,” Poch said. “It’s a very viable form of communication, but a lot of the younger generation isn’t getting involved. So when a child gets to talk to Santa, it gives them that hope and belief … and gets them involved in the hobby.”

Santa on the Air puts Santa — Longmont’s own John Chilson — on ham radio and gives kids the chance to call in and tell him what they want for Christmas. Callers must go through a ham radio operator, which Poch admitted can be a barrier. Poch has a long list of licensed operators, however, and said he is happy to get them in touch with interested callers.

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