[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 128 (Thursday, August 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WWJ NEWSRADIO 950

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 3, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, later this month, on August 20, 1995, 
America's first commercial radio station, WWJ Newsradio 950, will be 
celebrating its 75th anniversary. For three quarters of a century the 
listeners in metropolitan Detroit have tuned in to 950 AM for news, 
sports, and entertainment.
  Back in 1920, when radio was still in its infancy, and long before 
television, WWJ was pioneering a new way for people to become and 
remain informed and entertained. On that historic August 20th, 
listeners heard: ``This is 8MK calling.'' It was just one of the many 
firsts for WWJ.
  WWJ Newsradio was first to broadcast a news program, election 
returns, and sports. WWJ was also first to do a play-by-play sportscast 
live from the scene. On October 25, 1924, Ty Tyson described the 
University of Michigan's 21 to 0 victory over the University of 
Wisconsin. WWJ continues to carry U of M football to many fans 
throughout southeast Michigan. WWJ also broadcast the first play-by-
play of a Tiger baseball game on April 19, 1927. The Tigers beat the 
Cleveland Indians 8 to 5 with famed Tiger Marty McManus making several 
outstanding plays at second base.
  WWJ has a proud heritage and a reputation for integrity and public 
service. In the words of one of the WWJ newsradio team members, 
``tradition is exceeded only by our commitment to continued service.''
  Celebrating a 75th anniversary is a proud milestone. Through the 
Depression and too many wars, the New Deal and the Great Society, the 
folks at WWJ have been with us all the way. I applaud WWJ for keeping 
our community well-informed.
  I urge my colleagues to please join me in saluting WWJ on the event 
of its Diamond Anniversary. The people of metropolitan Detroit have 
long depended on its role in the community and we hope the next 75 
years will continue to be as successful.


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