[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING WGY NEWS RADIO ON THEIR ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
WGY News Radio on celebrating 100 years of informing and entertaining 
New Yorkers.
  WGY was first established when General Electric received their 
Broadcasting License and was randomly assigned the now acclaimed 
letters WGY on February 4, 1922. WGY's first broadcast took place on 
February 20, 1922, 7:47 p.m. in Schenectady, New York. WGY employees 
were pioneers in the new wireless radio technology sector, which is 
evident in the station's incredible accomplishments. WGY was the first 
radio station in New York State and, in 1926, it became the first NBC 
affiliate station. Since then, the station has established itself as 
one of the premier sources of news and entertainment for the North 
Country while also providing a space for major historical moments.
  While he was governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt began 
broadcasting his now famous fireside chats on WGY. In 1923, WGY became 
the first radio station to solve a major criminal case, when Verner 
Alexanderson was returned home after being kidnapped due to the on-air 
efforts to make the public aware of his disappearance. WGY was the home 
of The Rush Limbaugh Show before its conclusion in 2021 and continues 
to broadcast many talk show programs, fulfilling its mission to enrich 
and connect New Yorkers.
  WGY prides itself on being an exceptional source of public service 
and engagement, as evidenced by its numerous awards and achievements. 
In 2009, WGY won the Radio Television Digital News Association Edward 
R. Murrow Award for its exceptional reporting on the Capital Region ice 
storm. During the 2021 Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting, WGY won 
awards in categories including Outstanding Public Service Announcement 
and Campaign, Outstanding Interview, and Outstanding Use of Digital 
Platforms.
  On behalf of New York's 21st District, I congratulate WGY News Radio 
for 100 years of exemplary service to the people of New York State, 
including North Country families. The station's active engagement with 
the community and public service continues to inspire, connect, and 
enrich the lives of New Yorkers.

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