Gannon Broadcasting Systems

Description

THE HISTORY OF . . . GANNON BROADCASTING SYSTEMS When WGRY-AM went on the air in August of 1970, the staff included Co-owners, James Sylvester as Station Manager and Jim Marr as Engineer. The first employee hired was Wayne Andrew Hindmarsh, better known as "Wayne Andrews" on the air, fresh from Wayne State University. The station was licensed to operate from Sunrise to Sunset and operated at a whopping 1000 watts. Later they received pre-sun-rise authorization for 500 watts. Even so, the hours of operation depended on the hours of sunlight. All three men had air shifts as well as their other duties. Within 30 days Wayne Hindmarsh was on the street selling air time. The station was "MOR" better known then as "Middle of the Road". Other programs stressed local News and Sports. From the beginning WGRY was committed to being involved in community events. One of the most popular programs was an On-Air Swap Shop where people called in with items to sell or were looking to buy. Representatives from area clubs and organizations were interviewed concerning fund raising activities and other events. Grayling Mercy Hospital held a radio auction that successfully raised thousands of dollars over the air. Little League Baseball games were broadcast tape-delayed as were the Grayling Viking Football and Basketball games. On Saturday there was a live broadcast from the Wag-On-Inn with local celebrity Ed Harris singing and playing country music. Beginning with their first year on the air WGRY covered the Canoe Marathon. Later on there was another very popular local radio personality added to the staff, Viv Nichols. Viv's interview and discussion shows became a "Don't Miss" daily event. Viv proved to be a consummate interviewer with one of her highlights an interview with Gov. William Grawn Milliken. Viv traveled to Detroit and interviewed celebrities from time to time. In July 1976 , Dave Sherbert began his career in Northern Michigan radio at WGRY-AM, coming north from WKPR in Kalamazoo. Within a few years, Wayne Hindmarsh was so well known he was elected Grayling's youngest Chamber President and later was elected "Citizen of the Year". In October 1977 the station was sold to John DeGroot, who also owned WWRM-FM in Gaylord. Shortly thereafter, Wayne Hindmarsh left WGRY to put his own station WQON on the air. The station management was turned over to William F. Jones. Jones left after a year to teach broadcasting at Specks Howard School of Broadcasting in Detroit. Peter Allen was hired as station and sales manager. Rob Weaver replaced Pete two years later and at that time the format for WGRY-AM changed to all country. DJ Brown started in June of 1984. By January 1985 she was station manager and vice-president of sales. She was the final manager under John DeGroot and Alpine Broadcasting's ownership. After months of waiting and many delays, WQON-FM went on the air at 12:06 p.m., November 6, 1978. Local owners were Ernie Dawson, William Scheer, Wayne Hindmarsh, and Chris Vansteenhouse. Located on Norway street, a sign went up in the window stating "We're on the Air" 100.1 FM. WQON was on the air from 6 a.m. to Midnight, operating at 3000 watts of power.

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