The Alabama Historical Radio Society (AHRS) and Alabama Power Company will celebrate the establishment of Alabama's first licensed radio station, WSY, by letting broadcast pioneers tell their stories Monday, April 1.

WSY, later WAPI, began as a communication device for Alabama Power to communicate with its linemen. It evolved into programming entertainment and programming to promote the state's industry, agriculture, commerce and people.

The celebration will recognize Alabama's broadcasters, engineers and radio enthusiasts for their many contributions; including a panel of historical and pivotal figures in the development of broadcasting over the last 80 years.

Panelists include Sterling Brewer, former WAPI announcer; Rosemary Lucas, former WAPI-TV on-air talent; Claude Gray, former WAPI engineer; Shelley Stuart, WATV announcer; Pete Sides, Alabama Power retiree and former WSY listener; and Everett Holley, former WAPI station manager and announcer.

The panel will discuss changes in the industry and the ways broadcasting has impacted the progress of our state over the last 80 years.

"We're proud that Alabama Power launched the first radio station in Alabama, WSY, a station that took the first step toward developing the broadcast industry that means so much to our state today," says Charles McCrary, president and CEO of Alabama Power Company.

A museum exhibit of Radio History, featuring historic radios from the AHRS Museum and some private collectors, will open April 1 and be featured until May 31 in the Alabama Power Company Archives. This exhibit is open to the public from April 2 - May 31 from 10 a.m. (CST) until 2 p.m. (CST), Monday through Friday. Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. will be the only weekend date the exhibit will be open.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power Company