Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Congratulating WSUM 91.7 FM Madison Student Radio on their twentieth anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, WSUM 91.7 FM successfully went on the air on February 2, 2002, at 2:22PM after a series of legal battles over its placement of a radio tower and after five different stations attempted to achieve success on campus between the years of 1952 and 1993; and
WHEREAS, WSUM has trained multiple generations of students in the field of broadcast journalism and programming with over 2,000 alumni, more than 200 current DJs, and 17 student leaders; and
WHEREAS, WSUM, as a proud and active member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, College Broadcasters, Inc., and Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, has gained recognition at the statewide and national level for its dynamic music and talk programming, live sports broadcasts, news coverage, as well as their website and social media presence; and
WHEREAS, WSUM is home to one of the most widely recognized student sports talk departments in the nation, which has aired award-winning coverage of three consecutive Rose Bowls and back-to-back NCAA tournaments and continues to broadcast over 100 Badger games each year; and
WHEREAS, WSUM has brought notable music groups, including The White Stripes, Andrew WK, and Whitney to the city of Madison through concert series like Party in the Park and Snake on the Lake Fest, as well as to the airwaves via the legendary, long-running show Live@WSUM; and
WHEREAS, WSUM’s non-profit group, Friends of Madison Student Radio, plays an integral part in supporting the burgeoning careers of broadcasters by funding generous scholarships awarded to driven and deserving WSUM students; and
WHEREAS, WSUM has thrived under the thoughtful guidance and fearless leadership of founding member and inaugural General Manager, Dave Black, who embarks on his well-earned retirement after 26 years at the helm; and
WHEREAS, WSUM continues to be a shining example of the Wisconsin Idea, through their production and delivery of high quality audio programming for both the Madison area and its online community, serving the public’s essential need to discuss ideas and opinions, providing cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulation, and intelligent, enlightening entertainment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and the Mayor congratulate WSUM on their twentieth anniversary of broadcasting and wish them continued success in being "the Snake on the Lake."