Western Illinois University has been central to so much of life for students and the Macomb residents over its entire history. And, its radio station has been a partner.
The station, now appreciated and well known as Tri States Public Radio, has evolved. From 1968-1977 I worked at the station, four years as a student and four years as a full-time employee managing the students who worked there. As a freshman from Des Plaines, Ill., I was fortunate to be on the WIUM staff, a dream job absolutely.
WIU administration and student leaders address the communities
In 1968 anti-war protesters were a major force at WIU. Unlike a lot of campuses, WIU’s president, Dr. John Bernhard, in his first year as president, was adept at working with competing viewpoints. That was an enormous success story as other campuses were experiencing uncomfortable protest problems.
Dr. Bernhard, as well as anti-war protest leaders, were interviewed on WIUM often. You might think it would have been difficult, but not so. Both the administration and protest leaders were clear in how to handle the campus demonstrations, and it was this communication and mutual respect that kept the environment peaceful. There were problems, but they were resolved.
Many years later, after Bernhard passed away, one of the protest leaders, Neil Stegall, said in a newspaper article that he had much respect for Bernhard.
WIUM a home for talented performers
The station served as an important outlet for student activities leaders who often promoted local theatrical productions brought in from out of town and concerts by major musicians. One event caught some interest. A traveling Broadway show featuring actor John Raitt was performing. Since students knew little about him, the station promoted the event by announcing that the father of musician Bonnie Raitt was the star.
Many national, regional and local musicians performed live at WIUM. They included:
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett performed solo at WIU in 1972, opening for a regional band. At that time, his first song played nationally on radio, “Come Monday,” had just been released. He played live on WIUM after his show.
Later, while driving to Peoria, he was in a car accident and woke up in his vehicle looking at a farm family with a tire swing hanging from a tree behind them. He was all right, and then went on to write his song, “Life is Just a Tire Swing,” which is about that night. A year later he returned to perform at WIU where he told the story of his last visit and played that song. This time, he had with him the beginnings of his long-time Coral Reefer Band.
Jesse Colin Young
Jesse and his band The Youngbloods are remembered for their song “Get Together.” Jesse visited the studio with his band and sound technician to record a one-hour concert. The station received a copy of the recording and the producers later called to say that everything went so well that the program would be distributed to radio stations around the country.
Hal Holbrook
Well known actor Hal Holbrook performed at WIU as Mark Twain in his one-person show. He agreed to an interview with WIUM.
Hal Holbrook is shown on the left, I’m on the right.
Steve Goodman
Steve performed at WIU and afterwards recorded a station ID for WIUM in exchange for a glass of fresh orange juice. Steve is from Chicago and is best remembered for writing “City of New Orleans.” Around Chicago he is also known as the writer of the popular Chicago Cubs song, “Go Cubs, Go.”
Dan Eilers
A regular live performer on WIUM, Dan Eilers sang many original songs, sometimes with the band Flatland Rainbow with Mark and Cary Donham. Dan continues performing around Macomb.
Catfish and Crystal
A regional band that played often in Macomb was Catfish and Crystal. They drew large crowds at establishments in downtown Macomb. They performed live at WIUM.
More about my time at WIUM
WIUM conducted interviews with department chairs, faculty, student activities leaders, and politicians. A regular collaboration with the student activities committee led to the station promoting concerts and lectures. For example, one of the people from an academic department wanted to talk about his specialty hobby — Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the Sherlock Holmes series. The faculty member found an eager audience.
When I arrived at WIU in 1968, the station was still WWKS, named after W. Kimbro Shay. Broadcasting began in 1956, licensed to Western Illinois University.
Then, the call letters were changed to WIUM for a much better tie to the university. E.C. “Tug” Haddock was staff manager and the department chair was Dr. Robert Milkman.
After I left in 1977, WIUM became supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and carried programs from National Public Radio and other program producers. Although all non-commercial stations are public radio stations, most listeners would think of stations carrying NPR as a public station.
Tri States Public Radio today continues to serve its members and listeners. The staff is creative in programming and presentation. I listened recently to a fund-raising night with local musicians and many others. The theme was the most inventive I can remember among public radio stations: “Prine the Pump.” Thus, the staff highlighted John Prine while encouraging listeners to become members.
Tim McCartney is a retired public radio engineer who now lives in Mankato, Minn.
The opinion expressed are not necessarily those of TSPR or its license holder, Western Illinois University.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.