Radio Station To Observe 25th Birthday

Radio Station To Observe 25th Birthday

Saturday April 25, 1970

Twenty-five years ago when Ann Arborites turned their radio dials to the new station WPAG, some of the top numbers were “San Antonio Rose," “Buttons and Bows,” and “Cruising Down the River.”

As the station broke the air waves at 7 a.m. April 26, 1945 listeners heard sound from the first Washtenaw County station. The station operated on 250 watts.

The daytime fare included music, news, weather and sports, plus programs from the University. Twenty-five years ago Tiger baseball fans heard the play-by-play of the game by Harry Heilman.

As WPAG celebrates its silver anniversary special programming will be aired Monday, April 27. In 1945 high winds prevented the WPAG tower installation and delayed the first broadcast. The anniversary observance is being delayed also, but because this year the 26th falls on a Sunday.

Throughout its existence WPAG has been owned and operated by the Washtenaw Broadcasting Co. headed by Edward F. (Ted) Baughn.

Baughn said special programming Monday will include news items aired in 1945 as well as a sampling of the music that was popular then. The “Community Comment” program will also mature events of 1945.