Honor NCPR's 50th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 4050 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING North Country Public Radio upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its first broadcast on March 7, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have helped shape the history of broadcasting in their area; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend North Country Public Radio upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary at an Open House on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at its studios in Canton, New York; and WHEREAS, Funded through donations, NCPR has strived to inform, enrich and connect the region on air, online and in its communities for

50 years; and WHEREAS, Based in Canton, New York, in St. Lawrence County, NCPR operates a network of 33 transmitters broadcasting to the entire Adirondack North Country, western Vermont and southeastern Ontario; and WHEREAS, The commercial-free format includes a wide variety of programs from National Public Radio including "All Things Considered," "Morning Edition," and "Fresh Air"; NCPR's award-winning news team can be heard weekdays at 8:00 am with regional news broadcasts, features and interviews; the station also airs an eclectic mix of locally-hosted music programs; and WHEREAS, NCPR also operates a comprehensive website, and is the emergency broadcast service for many communities in the region; and WHEREAS, The history of radio in New York's North Country began in

1921, when the St. Lawrence University Physics Department's experimental station 8SZ became commercial station WCAD; jumping ahead over four decades, a new era of radio began at the University with the donation of a transmitter by John B. Johnson; and WHEREAS, Led by Station Manager Richard Hutto and Engineer Frances Murphy, WSLU signed on air for the first time at 96.7 on March 7, 1968; three years later, WSLU became a member of NPR; and WHEREAS, Through the years, many people were hired in various leadership positions and through many advances in technology, more and more people were given the opportunity to listen to local specials, documentaries, and different genres of music; and WHEREAS, Under the helm of Station Manger Ellen Rocco and Development Director Mark Scarlett, WSLU became NCPR in 1985; and WHEREAS, In 1993, NCPR moved from Payson Hall at St. Lawrence University to the Noble Building on East Main Street in Canton; and WHEREAS, In addition to providing entertainment and news, NCPR played a key role in the emergency response to a devastating regional ice storm; for their steadfast commitment during this crisis, the station received the New York State Governor's Arts Award at Lincoln Center in New York City; and WHEREAS, The success of NCPR is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Each and every employee diligently works to provide its listeners humor and with relevant and thought-provoking stories, news, and programming which inspires people of all ages; for this unremitting dedication, NCPR has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and accolades; and WHEREAS, NCPR has served its Adirondack North Country community with integrity and devotion, continuously striving to meet the needs of its listeners through entertainment and enlightenment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend North Country Public Radio upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its first broadcast on March 7, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to North Country Public Radio.