[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                               WTOP RADIO

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased to join others today all 
across the greater Washington metropolitan area in saluting 
Washington's own radio station, WTOP, as it celebrates 25 years of all-
news broadcasting. Today WTOP will be honored with a gala celebration, 
hosted by the CBS radio network, featuring such illustrious news 
figures as Walter Cronkite, Sam Donaldson, and Connie Chung.
  WTOP, which first signed on as WTRC broadcasting from Brooklyn, NY in 
1929, gained its current call letters 1943, when it became affiliated 
with CBS. The station is now owned by the Dallas-based Evergreen Media 
Group. WTOP has been honored with the prestigious Edward R. Murrow 
Award for excellence in news broadcasting.
  In particular, I would like to recognize and commend the outstanding 
contributions made by a newsman from whom I and many of my colleagues 
have the highest regard: WTOP's one and only Dave McConnell. Dave is 
the Capitol Hill correspondent for the station and the host of ``Today 
on the Hill,'' an excellent program which opens up and clarifies 
congressional action--Senate and House, floor and committee--to the 
people in our greater metropolitan area of the Nation's Capitol. Dave's 
program has aired since 1981, making lively and interesting stories out 
of congressional actions which often seem baffling and ponderous to 
others. The success and longevity of this popular program are due to 
Dave's knowledge, insight, and articulate presentation. He truly is a 
student, if not a professor, in some ways.
  Dave McConnell's success reflects his lifelong fascination with 
Capitol Hill. From his boyhood days, he always enjoyed visiting the 
galleries and dreaming of someday covering our actions as a reporter. 
Those of us who serve are indeed fortunate that Dave's dream came true.
  Recognizing that not everyone who listens to his program understands 
the somewhat arcane complexities of the legislative process, Dave 
always takes care to turn dry facts and somewhat confusing language 
into enjoyable and informative, accurate--and I underline 
``accurate''--unbiased, fair, and objective listening. Best of all, he 
tempers his well-told stories with his own brand of keen wit and humor.
  As we all know, many people come and go on the Hill, especially in 
the media. Dave McConnell has hung in with all of us for many, many 
years. He belongs to a small and admired cadre of dedicated 
broadcasters who devoted most of his career to broadcasting.
  To WTOP and to Dave McConnell, I am pleased to offer my 
congratulations for a job well done and every best wish for many years 
to continued service.
  I thank the Chair and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The absence of a quorum has been suggested. 
The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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