“One Great Radio Station!” The History of WMBD Radio and WMBD-TV

A Peoria History by Jessamyn Offutt

Introduction

It all started as a newspaper project in September 2002 during a phone conversation with veteran radio announcer Ken Cook and was inspired by him: At the time Peoria would reach its 50th anniversary of television broadcasting in 2003 because WEEK-TV and WHOI-TV (then WTVH) began broadcasting in 1953. I decided to write a report entitled “WMBD, as Told by Jesssamyn” since the TV side would be in its 45^th year in 2003 also. Being home schooled at the time, I didn’t just want to share it with family; but to share it with everybody in Peoria and Bloomington-Normal by getting it in the Journal-Star. After finishing my work, I made a phone call to newspaper columnist Bill Adams to get some leads on how I can share my work in the newspaper. I was referred to Steve Tarter who writes for the “On the Air” section. I mailed him my work and on October 26, 2003 was when after months, he talked about “WMBD, as Told by Jesssamyn” in article he wrote on Peoria’s 50th anniversary of television broadcasting. That newspaper project eventually evolved into a book project which took place in 2003.

I decided to publish my book to the internet because it’s the 21^st century and everybody’s doing desktop and internet publishing. Another reason was I didn’t want to deal with the difficult hassle of finding a literary agent, a publisher, receiving discouraging rejection letters, and determining which bookstores will carry “One Great Radio Station!”

So now it’s your chance to read it for the first time.

Chapter Pages

WMBD-AM

WMBD-FM

WMBD-TV

Entertainment on WMBD

News, Weather, and Sports

Variety Shows on WMBD

WMBD Today

The Many Familiar Names and Faces of WMBD-AM

The Many Familiar Names and Faces of WMBD-FM, WKZW-FM, WMXP-FM, and WPBG-FM

The Many Familiar Names and Faces of WMBD-TV

About the Author

Links

UPDATES: Friday, February 20, 2009

- After months of billing issues, the official WMBD-TV & Radio history book is back online!

- As of February 17, WMBD 31 has gone digital. Hopefully, Peoria may be able to pick up WCIA's digital signal.

- Thank you to WMBD 31 for finally making a fuss of their 50th anniversary last year thanks to me. In fact, go to the archived 50th anniversary page to view classic clips.

- The Easter Seals Telethon will be aired on WMBD 31 Saturday March 7 from 6-10 P.M. Interested in making an early donation? Go to the Central Illinois Easter Seals homepage to find out.

NEWS: Friday, February 21, 2009

- As you may all know I have a great enthusiasm for wearable art. So please check out my jewelry showcase at the 5th Annual Fine Art Auction coming Saturday February 28 at the Contemporary Art Center located at 305 Water Street in Peoria.

Disclaimer: The pictures in this book were obtained from the book WMBD Personalities which were printed in 1938, 1939, and 1941; they were published by WMBD Radio. Other pictures were used with permission from their respective holders. Any unauthorized use without the express written consent is STRICTLY prohibited under penalty of the law.

I’ve researched WMBD’s history for five years and I have made every effort to ensure everything in this online book is as accurate as possible. Any errors spotted should be notified to me at hipsista2003@yahoo.com.

Please sign my guestbook if you likeJ

Updated: February 20, 2009

© 2009 by Jessamyn Offutt

Wow! This many people have visited my site since March 11, 2007!