[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MARKING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB CONNERS

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President. I rise today to honor Bob Conners, 
the retiring long-time voice on radio for thousands of Ohioans in 
Central Ohio, who broadcasted his final show on WTVN on November 30, 
2011.
  Bob and I have not always agreed on the issues, but he has always 
been the consummate professional. He is fair and dignified in 
discussions ever since he took to the airwaves back in 1964. And he is 
always armed with a quick wit. I spoke with Bob earlier this week. He 
told me that during his retirement he plans to learn a foreign 
language. When I asked which one, he said he wanted to master English 
first. That endearing sense of humor earned him the trust of listeners 
across Central Ohio. And as those who have listened to him over the 
years know, he has not only mastered English, he has mastered morning 
radio.
  Growing up in St Marys, PA, Bob first wanted to become a radio actor, 
inspired by the Lone Ranger and encouraged by his father. He got his 
start on the airwaves when he was in high school, earning $45 per month 
as a radio deejay. After graduating from high school, Bob worked in 
Erie, Buffalo, San Diego, and Pittsburgh. He served our nation and 
volunteered for the Army in 1956.
  By 1964, he joined WTVN in Central Ohio. Bob cemented his loyal 
following in the afternoons transitioning from music to a talk radio 
format. Some memorable stories of his time on air relate to his beloved 
Ohio State Buckeyes football team, led at the time by the famed Woody 
Hayes.
  ``The Morning Monarch,'' as he would be known while hosting the Bob 
Conners Show beginning in 1978, he brought in more listeners and would 
eventually range 33 years, six U.S. presidents, and five Ohio State 
football coaches. And as much as he enriched the lives of his 
listeners, he also served his community away from the microphone, 
volunteering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus and the Charity 
Newsies.
  Bob Conners had the ear of his listeners because they could trust 
him, whether they agreed or disagreed with him. It is that admirable 
trait we will miss with his retirement. But it is that endearing 
quality that's earned him this retirement and no more 3 a.m. wake-up 
calls.
  Bob, I wish you and Linda all the best in your retirement. Thank you 
for all that you have done for your listeners and for our great 
State.

                          ____________________