WHOP listeners took a walk through history Wednesday morning beginning at January 8, 1940 as the station celebrated 80 years of service to the area with voices from the past and present.
Official local historian William Turner was among those stopping by an open house and says it was big for Hopkinsville when WHOP signed onto the air for the first time that cold morning.
Judge-Executive Steve Tribble echoed those sentiments, saying WHOP remains a vital part of the community in 2020.
Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks also stopped by the station and talked about the impact WHOP has had on him and many others over the decades.
The program featured recordings from the early days, a history of programming at the station, a lookback at major news stories that have aired at WHOP, the importance of local sports broadcasts on WHOP, profiles of the many personalities who’ve been on these stations and interviews with hosts of popular Sunday morning gospel show programs.
The program that extended into the afternoon was hosted by WHOP General Manager Mike Chadwell, who will retire in March. Early Bird Show Host Mark Lovely noted Chadwell’s 43 years of service—including 15 as general manager.
Chadwell closed the program by thanking all of the many employees and especially the listeners who have kept the station on the air.
While 80 years of service is a milestone, it certainly isn’t the end. WHOP will continue serving the region with local news, weather, sports and community interest programming in 2020 and for decades to come.
