Recognizing a century of broadcasting excellence from WOWO and celebrating the radio station's 100th anniversary.

Bill Number

H.Res. 252

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-31: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1344)

Last Updated

2025-05-23T10:45:11Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 252) aims to honor the radio station WOWO for its 100 years of broadcasting, highlighting its historical contributions to news, sports, entertainment, and conservative talk radio in the Midwest, particularly in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses that outline WOWO's history and achievements:

• WOWO began broadcasting in 1925 as an early U.S. radio station and grew after joining the CBS Radio Network in 1927, becoming one of the Midwest's strongest stations.
• It was the first radio station to broadcast a basketball game, reflecting its innovative spirit.
• By the 1950s, it became a key source for news, sports, and entertainment, introducing rock and roll to Fort Wayne and featuring personalities like Bob Sievers.
• In the 1990s, it shifted to conservative talk radio, featuring local voices (e.g., Pat Miller, Charly Butcher, Kayla Blakeslee) and national figures (e.g., Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity).
• It has promoted conservative values, informed families on key issues, and strengthened community ties, earning the nickname "The Voice of a Thousand Main Streets."

The "Resolved" section directs the House to:

• Celebrate WOWO's 100th anniversary on air.
• Recognize its exemplary broadcasting record for building communities and educating families on important issues.
• Support WOWO's ongoing efforts to inform and inspire future generations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Minimal; it was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for review, but as a resolution, it requires no funding or policy shifts.
• On citizens: Symbolic recognition may foster community pride among listeners in Indiana and the Midwest, particularly those who value conservative media, without direct effects on daily life.
• On international relations: None, as the resolution focuses on a domestic radio station.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• WOWO radio station and its affiliates: Receives official praise, potentially enhancing its reputation and listener loyalty.
• Local community in Fort Wayne, Indiana: Benefits from highlighted cultural and historical significance, including sports broadcasting innovations and conservative discourse.
• Listeners and conservative media supporters: Acknowledged for being informed and inspired by the station's content.
• Sponsors (Representatives Stutzman and Yakym): Represents their districts' interests, signaling support for local media.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this are expressions of congressional sentiment and do not create law or raise constitutional issues.
• Political: It underscores bipartisan or regional support for conservative-leaning media in the heartland, potentially appealing to voters in Indiana. The emphasis on "conservative values" and specific personalities may reflect broader political alignments in Congress, but it remains a non-partisan ceremonial gesture.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-31: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1344)
• 2025-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-03-25: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-25: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing a century of broadcasting excellence from WOWO and celebrating the radio station’s 100th anniversary. — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)