As a former radio man himself, U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) joined the U.S. House of Representatives in passing a resolution late Wednesday supporting the designation of a ‘‘Public Radio Recognition Month'' and encouraging the celebration of America's public radio stations for their contributions to our Nation's communities and enduring civic spirit.

“Having worked at my family’s radio station, WWNR in Beckley, and later as president of WTNJ in Mount Hope, I experienced first-hand and developed a deep appreciation for the broad-range of service public radio provides to southern West Virginia,” said Rahall. “Public radio reaches the public in ways commercial radio cannot.” 

Public radio programming provides educational, cultural, news, event, and critical emergency response information—all specialized to the local community.  There are over 800 public radio stations in the United States, serving an audience of approximately 33 million listeners.  Federal appropriations provide only 15 percent of the funding for public radio. The remaining 85 percent is made up of investments from State and local governments, universities, businesses, and foundations and voluntary contributions from millions of listeners. 

West Virginia Public Broadcasting operates 14 publically broadcast radio stations throughout the state, including stations in Logan, Matewan, Beckley, Huntington, Charleston, and Princeton, which cover southern West Virginia.