[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SALUTING RADIO ONE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
salute Radio One, the nation's largest Black-operated electronic media 
company. Radio One is also the country's seventh largest radio 
broadcasting company, and has had 25 great years of broadcasting 
excellence both nationally and in Dallas. This radio station has stood 
the test of time and has proudly served the community as a source of 
entertainment, election coverage, local news, and national events. Over 
the years, Radio One has undergone many technological and managerial 
changes and has become a pioneer in electronic broadcasting by 
combining innovative technology with reliable service.
  Radio One is the leading radio broadcasting company targeting 
African-Americans. Founded in 1980, the company owns and operates 69 
radio stations in 22 markets. Of these stations, 39 (29 FM and 10 AM) 
are in 14 of the top 20 African-American markets. I am proud to say 
that KBFB-FM as well as KSOC-FM operate in Dallas, Texas.
  Radio One's Chairperson and co-founder, Catherine L. Hughes, and her 
son, Alfred C. Liggins, III, acting as the Chief Executive Officer and 
President, together have more than 50 years of operating experience in 
the radio broadcasting industry. Ms. Hughes, Mr. Liggins, and their 
outstanding management team have successfully implemented a strategy of 
acquiring and turning around underperforming radio stations. Their 
strategy for their radio broadcasting business is to continue to expand 
within our existing markets and into new markets that have a 
significant African-American presence.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Radio One in their efforts to radio 
broadcasting primarily targeting African-Americans. Their work 
continues to have significant growth potential in the African-American 
market and the radio industry in general.
  Over the past 25 years, Radio One, KBFB-FM and KSOC-FM in Dallas have 
been a part of every major event that has occurred in Dallas and in the 
Nation. I am certain that they will maintain their high standards and 
strong foundation as it crosses the threshold into the 21st century. 
Dedication, philanthropy, foresight, and innovation have kept Radio One 
and its affiliates successful for 25 years and those same traits will 
carry it successfully into the future.
  On behalf of the thousands of Greater Dallas Metroplex residents who 
have benefited from Radio One's broadcasting effort, I thank the 
station, its management, and its employees for their extraordinary 
contributions. I congratulate Ms. Cathy Hughes in advance as Radio One 
will be recognized at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in the 
summer of 2006. I trust that their contributions to the community will 
continue to lead the way for many more years.

                          ____________________