[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO JIM BORMANN

 Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, it is with great sadness that 
I rise to report that a journalist of the highest order, Jim Bormann, 
passed away this past Saturday at his home in Golden Valley, MN.
  For 25 years Jim served as news director for WCCO Radio, the premier 
source for news and weather information in the Midwest. He also served 
as that station's community affairs director from 1971 until his 
retirement in 1976. Without a doubt, Jim played a vital role in shaping 
WCCO Radio into the premier organization it is today.
  A native of Decatur, IL, he came to Minnesota in 1951 with a long and 
distinguished list of journalism credentials. After beginning his 
career in 1935 as a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal, Jim moved on to 
Chicago, where he eventually became the bureau chief of the Associated 
Press' radio division. From there he moved on to Cedar Rapids, IA, and 
the job of news director for WMT Radio.
  Jim's many contributions to his profession extended outside the 
newsroom. He was a founder of the Radio and Television News Directors 
Association, serving as its international president in 1952. He also 
helped originate the Minnesota Fair Trial Free Press Council, the 
Minnesota Press Council, and the Minnesota Press Club. He was 
constantly vigilant in protecting his craft and strove to maintain the 
qualities of principle, fairness, and objectivity.
  Known for his fair and accurate reporting, Jim also added a human 
touch to the art of news gathering. Jim was known in the communities of 
Minnesota as a man who went to the news. His brand of on the scene 
reporting was widely respected by his peers. Jim said it best when he 
stated, ``I just chat with the folks to find out what's on their minds 
* * * we talk about what's being done and what they think could be 
done.'' Mr. President, I have found that this type of communication is 
not only a sound approach for newspeople, but also for those of us who 
have been blessed with the opportunity of public service.
  Mr. President, I truly will miss Jim Bormann and all he had to offer. 
He was not only a top-notch journalist but--more importantly--a first-
class human being.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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