[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 117 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING JAMES A. DICK AND THE DICK BROADCASTING COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2000

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, September 29, 2000, a remarkable 
chapter in the history of East Tennessee will come to an end. At the 
close of this week, Citadel Communications Group will officially take 
over Dick Broadcasting Company, located in Knoxville.
  Nearly 50 years ago, in December 1952, the FCC granted Mr. James A. 
Dick a license to build a 1,000-watt, daytime only, AM radio station, 
and Dick Broadcasting was born. On March 20, 1953, WIVK AM-860 signed 
on the air.
  From it's first studios on North Gay Street, WIVK's early days were 
filled with programs such as ``The Big Jim and Little Alf Show,'' 
``Mull's Singing Congregation,'' ``The Gospel Train,'' ``Archie 
Campbell's Hillbilly Show,'' and the legendary ``Cas Walker Live 
Country Music Show.'' Such future stars as the Everly Brothers and 
Dolly Parton found a home performing on WIVK's airwaves.
  Later in the history of this radio station, we saw the beginning of 
the ``Great Day Show'' with Claude ``The Cat'' Tomlinson, Lester 
Longmire, and ``Old Man Schultz.'' This show would go on to dominate 
local ratings and remain virtually unchanged until Claude's retirement 
in 1992.
  The Dick Broadcasting Family has grown from a 1,000 watt AM station 
to 14 FM and AM stations operating in three states. Now a FM station, 
WIVK's unique mix of country music, community involvement, personality, 
and of course, University of Tennessee sports, has made it one of the 
most-listened to radio stations in America from the late 70's to 
present day.
  For over 45 years now, Dick Broadcasting has sought to provide East 
Tennessee with the best in music and entertainment, and the most up-to-
date news and information. When a severe blizzard hit East Tennessee in 
1993, WIVK was the only radio station left on the air.
  In 1988, Dick Broadcasting purchased WNOX-AM 990, and donated the old 
WIVK-AM 860 to the University of Tennessee. The new 990 frequency had 
the advantage of being a 24-hour. channel. WIVK-AM 990 soon started 
adding its own programming, and by 1992 had become its own entity as 
``NewsTalk 990.''
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I join with the citizens of the City of 
Knoxville in congratulating Jim Dick for his service and devotion to 
the people of East Tennessee. I am proud to call him a friend, and I 
wish him well in the years to come. I ask my fellow colleagues and 
other readers of the Record to join me in thanking Jim Dick and Dick 
Broadcasting Company for their many years of service and contributions 
to East Tennessee. Our Nation is certainly a better place because of 
people like Jim Dick and his family.

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