[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF WJHL-TV

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 7, 2023

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and 
acknowledge a cornerstone of our community and a leading source of news 
and information in Northeast Tennessee and surrounding regions, WJHL-
TV. This year marks the 70th anniversary of WJHL's dedication to 
broadcasting excellence.
  On October 26, 1953. WJHL made its debut, serving as the first voice 
of television in Northeast Tennessee and the second station to sign on 
in our great state. It was the vision and determination of founders 
Hanes Lancaster, Jr., Hanes Lancaster, Sr., and Jay Birdwell that 
brought this dream to fruition. Nestled in the heart of downtown 
Johnson City, WJHL has since been a familiar presence, illuminating our 
homes with news, information, and entertainment each day.
  Over the decades, WJHL has been dedicated to informing, educating, 
and entertaining over 300,000 households, spanning not just our 
Tennessee counties of Washington, Sullivan, Carter, Greene, Unicoi, 
Johnson, and Hawkins, but also extending its reach to into Virginia and 
Kentucky. The expansive reach of WJHL's signal is a testament to its 
leadership and trust within the region.
  Under the leadership of General Manager Paula Jackson, the station 
has maintained its commitment to broadcasting excellence. Paula and her 
team of over 80 employees--writers, producers, reporters, technicians, 
and staff members--all play a crucial role in ensuring that our region 
stays connected and informed. Their commitment to integrity, fairness, 
and community service is more than admirable. For seven decades, the 
dedicated staff of WJHL has been firm in their mission to report 
accurate local news that is vital to our region. Their creed is simple: 
news that matters to you and your family.
  Throughout its history, WJHL has seen numerous milestones. For many 
decades, they have proudly operated as a CBS affiliate. And in February 
2016, they expanded their broadcasting network, adding ABC to their 
second channel, further adding to the content available to their 
viewers. However, it wasn't just in content where WJHL sought change. 
In the Fall of 2019, the station embarked on a new chapter, unveiling a 
state-of-the-art studio, certainly fitting for a station of its legacy. 
As part of the Nexstar Media Group, WJHL, which encompasses News 
Channel 11 and ABC Tri-Cities, is poised for continued growth and 
success.
  As they celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Paula and the entire WJHL team 
on 70 years of broadcast excellence. May they continue to shine 
brightly, informing and uniting our communities for many more years to 
come.

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