[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 155 (Friday, November 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TODD STORZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Todd Storz by marking 
the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Mid-Continent Broadcasting 
Company, later known as the Storz Broadcasting Company.
  Todd Storz developed the radio rotation format known as ``Top 40.'' 
This innovation made rock and roll a part of American history and 
changed the sound of radio forever. Through his Mid-Continent 
Broadcasting Company, Todd Storz initially influenced radio in Omaha, 
Kansas City, St. Louis, and New Orleans. Soon, other radio stations 
adapted their formats to the ``Top 40'' rotation style. His pioneering 
work in radio made popular music a component of American culture.
  Todd Storz's idea for ``Top 40'' radio came about through competition 
with a rival station that featured a one hour ``Top 20'' radio show. 
The two hour ``Top 40'' format won over listeners as well as other 
radio programmers. As a result, it soon became the standard format. The 
Mid-Continent Broadcasting Company's successful approach to radio 
broadcasting helped radio survive and flourish in spite of the 
popularity of television.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Todd Storz on the 
50th anniversary of the founding of his Mid-Continent Broadcasting 
Company.

                          ____________________