[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO WDAS RADIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor WDAS FM and 
AM Radio, one of Philadelphia's most significant cultural institutions, 
on its 50th anniversary.
  Many of my colleagues recognize that Philadelphia is America's 
premier music cities. Philadelphia has a history of producing America's 
music. And since 1950, WDAS has been the sound of Philadelphia.
  But this jewel of the airways has been more than entertainment for my 
neighbors and I. WDAS has also been the soul and the conscience of our 
city. The FM station is one of the few music outlets that has 
consistently maintained a commitment to producing hard news for its 
audience. It has always maintained an unbiased editorial department, 
and would class news bureau, which has produced journalistic giants 
like CBS' Ed Bradley or talk radio's Karen Warrington. Whether the 
story is an election campaign, a major fire or a local tragedy, if it 
happened in the past 50 years, WDAS covered it.
  Mr. Speaker, WDAS AM also serves a major role in the lives of my 
constituents. It provides in-depth discussion of current events through 
magazine shows and talk programs. And worship is not left off that 
station's menu. My dear friend and Pennsylvania State Representative 
Louise Bishop hosts one of the nation's premier gospel and worship 
shows on that station. She brings light to the lives of so many people 
who are shut in and cannot get to services or who attend at a different 
time.
  Most importantly, this station proves that music without questionable 
lyrics, faith based broadcasting, news and information do not have to 
serve as loss leaders on a station's play list. After 50 years of 
quality broadcasting, WDAS continues to dominate the ratings.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this station and all my friends who have 
made its success possible over the years. I know that all my colleagues 
will join me in honoring this monument to Philadelphia culture.

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