WBAA honored by Rep. Sheila Klinker and Indiana House of Representatives

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana House today joined State Representative Sheila Klinker(D-Lafayette) in recognizing the vast contributions of WBAA, the National Public Radio station located at Purdue University.

WBAA is the oldest continuously operating radio station in Indiana. It went on the air on April 4, 1922, which means the station is celebrating its 95th year.

“WBAA made its mark by providing essential public services and information about what is happening at Purdue, as well as the surrounding community,” Klinker told House members. “It also has contributed locally by being actively engaged in economic development, supporting local businesses, and by directly providing employment and volunteer opportunities.”

She noted the station also supports nonprofit, charitable and public service project, as well as events in the community throughout the year.

“WBAA provides local Hoosiers of all ages and walks of life the chance to benefit from a wide variety of noncommercial programming and services that encourage and promote lifelong learning,” said Klinker.

“WBAA is deeply rooted in the community and strives to create an effective, positive and productive organization, that I, along with many others, count on every day,” she concluded.

As a student, Klinker participated in many of the station’s outreach programs at Purdue, including “History Highlights” and “Lady Storyteller.”

Many listeners will remember famous WBAA alumni, including Durward Kirby of The Garry Moore Show, which aired nationally on weekday mornings in the 1950’s, and Candid Camera in the 1960’s. In addition, there were other famous WBAA announcers, like Chris Schenkel, widely known network sports commentator, Brian Lamb, founder of C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, C-SPAN3, and C-SPAN Radio, and the “Voice of Purdue” John DeCamp, who called Purdue football and basketball games for 43 years and was WBAA’s station manager.