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.