Performing Arts

When a Des Moines insurance company started a radio station in 1924, no one imagined it would bring news from a world war home to families desperate for information, carry the exploits of University of Iowa athletics to fans nationwide, draw the ire of a Cuban dictator, and be home to a future president. From the earliest days of "This is W-H-O. Who? Bankers Life, Des Moines" to today's "50,000-watt, clear channel voice of the middle west," one of the most powerful radio stations in America has been part of Iowa life for nearly 90 years. With a signal that reaches "from coast to coast, border to border, and then some," trusted voices such as Jack Shelley, Herb Plambeck, Jim Zabel, Lee Kline, and Duane Ellett have graced the WHO radio airwaves, while Van & Bonnie, Jan Mickelson, Bob Quinn, and others carry on the tradition today. From the Barn Dance Frolic and Phone Forum to Sportsman's Notebook and The Big Show, WHO has consistently reflected the values of Iowans.

Beginning in 1922, Davenport's WOC has charted an impressive list of broadcasting firsts: the first licensed commercial radio station west of the Mississippi River; first station to establish logging, the practice of recording program schedules down to the minute and second; the use of time signals at the beginning of programs; first to build and use audio mixing controls that allowed multiple microphone usage; first to broadcast from a state legislature; and first to broadcast programming meant specifically for children. WOC-TV was the first television station in Iowa on the air when it began regular programming in 1949. This volume of images presents an overview to the history, facilities, programming, and technology of the WOC stations and provides a glimpse at the stations today, as new ownership carries on an outstanding tradition in Quad City broadcasting.