TITLE: Congratulating radio station KPAN in Hereford on its 75th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Congratulating radio station KPAN in Hereford on its 75th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Radio station KPAN in Hereford is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023; and WHEREAS, In 1948, KPAN was established by John Blake and former state senator Marshall Formby; Mr. Formby's nephew, Clint Formby, helped with the construction of the station, and when it debuted on August 4, he was the first announcer to speak over its AM frequency; two years later, Marshall Formby bought out his partner; his nephew came on board as a partner in 1956 and eventually purchased the station; and WHEREAS, Clint Formby became a Texas radio legend and Panhandle icon; a leader in the industry at the state and national level, he also hosted what is considered the longest-running radio broadcast by an individual; for over 55 years, he discussed a "predictably unpredictable" variety of topics on the Day By Day Philosopher program, and he offered listeners an array of admonitions, including advice to tip their servers generously and kiss their loved ones good night; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, KPAN has played country music and reported the local news; in the 1960s, it added an FM signal and launched a Spanish-language music and news segment; it has been a boon to sports fans, covering Hereford High School athletics with live play-by-play and relaying broadcasts of Texas Tech University football and basketball and Dallas Cowboys games; over the years, the station has received numerous awards from the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and it was twice named Outstanding Radio Station; and WHEREAS, Clint Formby's son Chip joined the station as news director and engineer in 1978 and eventually became general manager and owner; Chip Formby's sons, Jonathan and Lane, worked at the station during their high school and college years; following Chip Formby's untimely death, Lane Formby moved back home to carry on the family legacy, and he has served as general manager since February 2021, working with his mother, Lisa Formby, who is now the majority partner along with her two sons; and WHEREAS, While consolidation and automation have left few stations still serving their communities with live, local broadcasting, KPAN continues to embody the spirit of founder Marshall Formby's humorous slogan, "The only radio station in the world that gives a hoot about Hereford, Texas," and area residents are fortunate to have access to this venerable source of entertainment, information, and enlightenment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate KPAN on its 75th anniversary and extend to all those associated with the station sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the station as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Smithee Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1492 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House