[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 JIM ROPER, INDUCTEE TO THE NEW MEXICO-BROADCASTING ASSOCIATION'S HALL 
                                OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the 
outstanding citizens of the northeast corner of my home state of New 
Mexico--Jim Roper, who was recently inducted into the New Mexico 
Broadcasting Association's Hall of Fame. As a pioneer with more than 50 
years in the industry, he is eminently deserving of this prestigious 
honor.
  Mr. Roper is the chief executive officer of Raton Broadcasting and 
head of KRTN-AM and FM. These stations bring music and important news 
to the citizens of Colfax, Union, and Harding Counties as well as 
southeastern Colorado. In northeastern New Mexico, I cannot emphasize 
how important the medium of radio is as a critical news source. Mr. 
Roper and his team have served its citizens well.
  Jim's career began in 1948, while still in high school. And it all 
started because the station's general manager had laryngitis. Jim and 
his family lived in the now abandoned town of Brilliant, not far from 
Raton, where radio was one of the only sources of entertainment. During 
a high school basketball game, Stan Brown, then the general manager of 
KRTN, had lost his voice and could not broadcast the game report. Jim 
said, ``I don't know, but I'll try.'' One thing led to another, and 
soon he was spinning records at the station. In less than two decades, 
he was the station's owner.
  Jim has seen vast changes in the radio broadcasting business since he 
began. Tape recorders replaced wire recorders, compact discs replaced 
records and satellites replaced disc jockeys. However, at KRTN on-site 
folks still operate the station, and despite lucrative offers to 
purchase the small station, Roper has refused to sell.
  Jim has always been committed to providing quality service to the 
listeners of KRTN and capturing the essence of rural New Mexico. His 
dedication and commitment have made him an important part of the 
community. Jim has served as the city commissioner, the president of 
the Raton Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the city parks and 
recreation board and as the president for the Raton water board.
  There have been two constants that have run throughout Jim's life: 
the radio station and his loving family. He is a proud husband and 
father, whose family has kept him focused and grounded.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim Roper is a champion of his community and is 
completely deserving of being named as one of the first inductees into 
the New Mexico Broadcasting Association's Hall of Fame. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in saluting Jim Roper for his vast 
accomplishments.

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