[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            IN HONOR OF WMZQ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to one of the top rated radio stations in the 
Washington area, WMZQ. June 22 marks their 20th anniversary on air as a 
country music station, serving the musical and community needs of our 
region.
  On June 22, 1977, WMZQ 98.7 FM signed on the air with the song ``Are 
You Ready for the Country?'' Since that time, the Washington 
Metropolitan area has benefited from the talent and commitment of their 
staff. The Country Music Association [CMA] has honored WMZQ's 
contribution to country music by naming WMZQ the CMA Station of the 
Year in 1989. The radio industry has also recognized WMZQ's programming 
excellence with several Achievement in Radio [AIR] Awards.
  WMZQ's staff is intertwined with the greater Washington community. 
WMZQ has supported many charitable organizations like the American 
Heart Association, the March of Dimes, Children's Hospital, the 
American Red Cross, and Toys for Tots through event participation and 
public affairs programming. WMZQ's loyal listeners' generous response 
to the Annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon has 
raised over $2 million in just 5 years. Listener's contributions during 
the Coats for Kids campaigns has kept thousands of children warm during 
the winter months. WMZQ's Christmas in April home renovation projects 
has provided many elderly, low-income, and handicapped neighbors with 
safer living conditions.
  On June 22, the WMZQ staff and 15,000 of their most loyal fans 
celebrated the radio station's 20th anniversary at the Bull Run Country 
Jamboree. This year they were proud to host Paul Brantly, LeAnne Rimes, 
Neil McCoy, and Wynonna. Over the last 7 years this annual event has 
raised over $600,000 for the Northern Virginia Park Authority. This 
year, WMZQ general manager, Charlie Ochs, rededicated the efforts of 
the WMZQ staff to better serve the country music listener and to 
continue to work to make the Washington area a better place to live.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in celebrating the special 
anniversary of WMZQ. Not only do they provide the region with good 
country music, but they have supported our community through many 
volunteer programs. They have enriched the lives of their listeners, 
have enhanced the quality of life in our region and have grown to be 
one of the top rated country stations in the Nation.

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