H*4245 Resolution, By Bowers
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE RADIO STATION WBHC ON ITS
 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE STATION FOR THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS IT
 HAS MADE TO HAMPTON COUNTY.

   06/07/07  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-7

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE RADIO STATION WBHC ON ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE STATION FOR THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS IT HAS MADE TO HAMPTON COUNTY.

Whereas, the House of Representatives is pleased to note that Hampton County radio station WBHC will celebrate fifty years of broadcasting in September 2007; and

Whereas, half a century ago in September 1957, Joe Wilder, of Barnwell, and J.A. Gallimore, of Seneca, put a one-kilowatt AM station on the air in Hampton, Wilder later purchasing this station and a sister station in Barnwell from Gallimore. This was the beginning of radio station WBHC, which was to become a source of inspiration, informative news reporting, and entertainment for many appreciative listeners in the Hampton area and beyond; and

Whereas, in 1983, Carl A. "Tony" Gross, long-time manager of the station, purchased WBHC-AM and what soon became WBHC-FM from Wilder and began simulcasting the two stations; and

Whereas, in 1998, WBHC-FM moved to a new frequency and increased its power to six kilowatts, which boosted the size of its listening area tremendously to include Allendale, Barnwell, Bamberg, Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties in South Carolina, as well as adjoining counties in Georgia; and

Whereas, at the start of the new millennium, WBHC-AM became WHGS and started programming gospel music, while WBHC-FM continued with its country format, both stations now operating twenty-four hours a day; and

Whereas, John Bocock, of Pelion, purchased the station from Gross in June 2004 and changed the name of Country 92 to Cruise 92, switching to a variety of adult contemporary music; and

Whereas, although the music has changed, WBHC continues to keep its listeners informed with news, weather, and sports, not forgetting audience-pleasing contests and prizes, its daily birthday show, church calendar, obituary column, and "Radio Exchange" (a swap-type feature), along with other popular programming; and

Whereas, over the years, WBHC frequently has been recognized for its involvement with the community, including a state award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association for its live reporting of Hurricane Hugo; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives would like to take this opportunity to thank WBHC for its fifty years of service to Hampton County and beyond, and the members take great pleasure in joining with WBHC's listeners in congratulating it on reaching this important milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate radio station WBHC on its fiftieth anniversary and commend the station for the many contributions it has made to Hampton County.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to radio station WBHC.