| 30th Anniversary
Articles
Where the Years
Have Gone - A Timeline
An overview of the happenings at WSSR/WSSU/WUIS
during the last 30 years.
Listener-supported
Radio Debuts in Central Illinois
The year was 1975; the Vietnam War came to an
end at last. Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa was reported missing.
American astronaut Tom Stafford and Soviet astronaut Alexei Leonov
exchanged the first international handshake in space. The movie
Jaws kept beach combers close to shore.
Technology Soars
Through 30 Years
While some of the transitions to new formats brought challenges
as well as more than a few headaches, each change has enabled
the station to improve the transmission and audio quality of the
programming delivered. As for anticipated technological advances
heading our way in the next 30 years, Dunn says we haven’t seen
anything yet. And before retiring in 2005 after 25 years at WUIS,
he set the stage for WUIS’ next technological advance – digital
conversion.
Classical Music
For 20 of the last 30 years, classical music
enthusiasts have welcomed the soft and quiet demeanor of WUIS
host Karl Scroggin. The calming tenor (more of a baritone, really)
of his voice, coupled with the encyclopedic detail in which he
can discuss his musical selections, has earned both Karl and WUIS
widespread respect throughout the classical music community.
Selling the Invisible
and Intangible:
30 Years of ‘Making the Case’
It was a new adventure in communication, a novel
thought. This thing called public radio meant exactly that: radio
that belonged to and was partially financed by the public. Long
before “interactive” entered the national lexicon public radio
had been calling upon its listeners to interact, to be actively
involved with and support the programs they listened to.
Through the Eyes of Radio
The Radio Information Service flickered to life
as a fully-funded service of WUIS in December 1981, becoming the
first official radio reading service for the print disabled in
central Illinois. Over past 24 years the service has evolved into
an essential source of programming and information for the visually
impaired community.
Bluegrass
Breakdown
30 Years of Loyal Fans
and Dedicated Hosts
In 2001, the multi-million selling soundtrack
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” attracted huge audiences for bluegrass
and traditional country music. It was a pop culture moment that
opened up the genre to listeners who eagerly welcomed this high
energy all acoustic sound. According to the International Bluegrass
Music Association, since 2000, bluegrass music has experienced
a 104% increase in consumers and a growth in popularity unprecedented
in recent bluegrass history.
Rich Bradley
30 Years of "Painting"
the News
In 1974 Rich Bradley was 34 years old and considering
what he saw as the opportunity of a lifetime. A 14-year veteran
radio news reporter, Rich had become increasingly frustrated with
commercial radio’s dwindling commitment to delivering substantive
news.
Dave
Leonatti
Nightsounds Host Takes
"Independent" Approach
It all began with a friend of a friend. Dave
Leonatti had been thinking about checking into the possibility
of hosting a program on what was then WSSR Radio. He mentioned
the idea to friend who happened to know someone who was connected
to this relatively young public radio station.
Thanks
for the Memories!
While the programs, the events, and the voices
have changed over the past 30 years, the indelible impression
of WSSR, WSSU, and WUIS on many who have passed through the station
remain. To all of you … “Thanks for the memory.”
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