[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S2459]]
                     30TH ANNIVERSARY OF WTOP RADIO

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate one 
of our local news outlets, WTOP Radio, on their 30th anniversary. 
Thirty years ago, on March 9, 1969, WTOP began its news broadcasts. 
Today, WTOP has become a vital source of news and information in the 
nation's capital. Along the way, Dave McConnell, WTOP's congressional 
correspondent, has become a familiar voice to Washington residents and 
one of our nation's most respected journalists.
  America's Constitution is unique and special in the responsibility it 
has bestowed on our nation's press corps--in print, on TV, and on the 
radio. With our revered First Amendment, the nation gives reporters the 
awesome responsibility to help communicate the needs of the nation and 
report on the day-to-day governmental events that affect all Americans. 
In return, we hope those reporters recognize that responsibility and 
carefully tend their role as stewards of public information.
  WTOP has taken that responsibility seriously and sought to provide 
high-quality, timely information for residents in the greater 
Washington area. For thirty years, WTOP has covered the news as it 
happened--in Washington and around the world. From the War on Poverty 
to the War in Iraq, WTOP's reporting has kept millions of 
Washingtonians informed. They have tracked legislation that affects 
residents in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, and 
helped bring perspective to issues facing the nation.
  As important, WTOP provides a critical service to local residents in 
alerting them to breaking local stories. In addition to their 
comprehensive news coverage, they have warned residents of dangerous 
weather, alerted commuters to traffic snarls, and celebrated sports 
victories of our Orioles, Ravens, and Redskins. WTOP's committed staff 
are part of the daily lives of countless Washingtonians who listen as 
they brush their teeth, drive to and from work, or cook the evening 
meal. My constituents in Maryland's DC suburbs rely on them to get 
information they need to know to stay informed, stay healthy, and stay 
tuned.
  I commend the WTOP family and its listeners on 30 years of service to 
the greater Washington area and welcome 30 more years. Our nation's 
capital, and our nation, are proud of their work and appreciative of 
their commitment.

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