100 Years of WHBY: The History of Fox River Valley Broadcasting

100 Years of WHBY: The History of Fox River Valley Broadcasting brings together local broadcast leaders to share the remarkable century-long journey of one of Wisconsin's iconic radio stations. Join the Appleton Historical Society as WHBY Director of Broadcast Kelly Radandt, former General Manager Greg Bell, and former Chief Engineer Steve Brown take us through 100 years of local broadcasting history. From its 1925 origin at St. Norbert College as an educational radio experiment to becoming a 50,000-watt regional powerhouse, WHBY has continuously connected, informed, and entertained the Fox River Valley community through technical evolution and changing media landscapes. In this insightful presentation, our panelists explore key milestones: the shift to commercial broadcasting, legendary local air personalities, technical upgrades, ESOP employee ownership under Woodward Communications, and the station's enduring commitment to local public service. Discover how local radio remains a vital thread in the historic and cultural fabric of Appleton and the surrounding Fox Cities. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL Please click to subscribe and donate to the Appleton Historical Society. Your support helps us preserve, protect, and share the unique history of our community! 👉 Subscribe! 👉 Donate to support local history: www.appletonhistory.com Filmed and Edited by Visual Imaging Solutions. (@visualimagingsolutions.com) Brought to you by the Appleton History Museum. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to the History of WHBY 05:30 - Panelist Introductions: Decades of Broadcasting Experience 07:41 - The Genesis: Ray Waiter on 100 Years of WHBY 10:11 - St. Norbert College & Early 1920s Radio Experiments 12:05 - Commercial Growth & Expanding the Station Reach 16:33 - Iconic Voices: Notable Personalities in Station History 19:05 - Historic Milestones: Mary Ellen Ducklow & Early Female Voices 20:43 - Station Sale to Woodward Communications 23:19 - Building the First Purpose-Built Radio Facility in Wisconsin 26:37 - Signal Upgrades & Navigating AM Technical Shifts 31:32 - ESOP Employee Ownership & Workplace Culture 38:04 - Expanding Coverage: Adding FM Translators 40:56 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Local Community Radio 45:06 - Audience Q&A: Studio History, Local Archives & Fond Memories 55:55 - Closing Remarks & Supporting Local History 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What is your favorite memory of listening to WHBY or WAPL radio over the years? Drop your stories in the comments below—we love hearing how local radio touched your life! Don't forget to like this video, share it with fellow history buffs, and subscribe to support local Appleton history! 📌 DISCOVERY #AppletonHistory #WHBY #LocalHistory #WisconsinBroadcasting #FoxRiverValley #RadioHistory