[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 15, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       WATR--ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
WATR, a family-owned radio station in Waterbury, CT, which has 
broadcast history-in-the-making, entertainment and public affairs 
programs during the past 60 years. Today, WATR celebrates its 60th 
anniversary broadcasting to Connecticut listeners. On a quiet June day 
in 1934, the airwaves in Waterbury sizzled and crackled when WATR 
signed on for the first broadcast to listeners in the Greater Waterbury 
area and Naugatuck Valley. Over the past 60 years this station has 
successfully adapted to the changing needs of the thousands of 
listeners who tune in every day, every hour.
  During the 1930's WATR broadcast President Roosevelt's fireside 
chats, and the radio dramas which many Connecticut families tuned to 
each night after dinner. The music of the big band era, rock and roll, 
jazz, and country have all reached listeners over the air waves from 
Broadcast Lane overlooking Waterbury. Thousands of people first learned 
about the landing on Normandy, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President 
Kennedy's assassination, and the landing on the Moon listening to 
network and local newscasts on WATR. And today, WATR continues this 
dedication to news and to keeping listeners informed of events in the 
community, the State, the Nation and the world. Talk shows broadcast on 
WATR give listeners an opportunity to speak out on the issues that 
concern them. Up-to-the-minute traffic reports keep commuters on 
Interstate 84 and Highway 8 informed of hazards and commuter problems 
as they merge into this busy traffic area.
  Mr. President, I congratulate not only the people who work at WATR, 
but the loyal listeners who tune in every day. And not only the 
employees and listeners of 1994, but those who throughout the past 60 
years have helped WATR reach this broadcast anniversary.
  WATR has a formula for success which is to be admired. I believe the 
difference between WATR and those stations which have come and gone 
over the past 60 years are the people who make up WATR. People who are 
dedicated to their listeners and to the community. Over the years, the 
WATR staff have volunteered hundreds of hours to raise funds for 
nonprofit agencies and assist in cultural and community events. Every 
year, the Sunshine Fund campaign raises money and other donations for 
area families, and every year it is the people of WATR who make this 
campaign a success.
  I applaud WATR for the past 21,900 days of hard work, dedication, and 
a commitment to broadcasting news and entertainment to the Greater 
Waterbury community. No one knows what changes will greet WATR in the 
next 60 years, but I know WATR will meet them and continue this 
commitment of service to the families of Connecticut.

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