[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1490-E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WVOW RADIO 60 YEARS OF SERVICE IN LOGAN COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of a local 
radio station in the heart of the coalfields of southern West Virginia. 
This year, WVOW Radio celebrates 60 years of excellence in journalism 
and service to the greater Logan County area and beyond.
  In 1954, Mr. Bill Becker, an attorney, and his lovely wife, Mrs. 
Martha Jane Becker, an educator, took on the management of a struggling 
two-year old AM radio station in Logan County. Not only did they take 
on the management of the station, but they put their heart and soul 
into the daily operation of this station, often adding their personal 
touches to the programming, advertisements, and live-remotes. In fact, 
many of my constituents can fondly recall WVOW's annual Christmas 
programming, ``Santa Claus'', in which Bill and Martha Jane added their 
very own personal touch.
  You see, in rural West Virginia, our local media, especially local 
radio, play a critical role in our communities. Yes, they are known for 
their music, sports, and commercials, but more importantly, and maybe 
less noticed, is the invaluable service this station has provided to 
its listeners in literally saving lives.
  For instance, when an earthen dam broke in the Buffalo Creek area of 
Logan County in February of 1972, WVOW was the first to warn nearby 
residents to evacuate their homes immediately, undoubtedly saving 
countless lives from the wake of destruction that loomed near. Also, 
during this summer's widespread derecho and heat wave that swept 
through my Congressional District, WVOW was a victim of the mass power 
outages that we all experienced. However, they knew they had the 
obligation to their listeners to get back on the air and pass along 
critical, potentially life-saving, information. Through their hard work 
and sheer determination, the station was able to get back on the air 
and provide the much needed information to their audiences.
  While these are just two examples of the essential role WVOW has 
played in our communities through their history, there are countless 
other stories of how, through news coverage and public service 
announcements, they have kept citizens informed and helped raise public 
consciousness on a variety of quality of life issues.
  In an era where mega media corporations are chasing the all-mighty 
dollar, WVOW has remained steadfast to Bill and Martha Jane Becker's 
philosophy--first aired 60 years ago--a rock solid commitment to always 
serve their even-more-all-mighty listeners, first and foremost.
  I ask that my colleagues join me today in wishing a Happy 60th 
Birthday to WVOW Radio in Logan, West Virginia, and to extend our best 
wishes to their dedicated and talented staff for 60 more productive and 
blessed years!

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