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Archives of Iowa Broadcasting: WHO Radio Collection

AIB establishes and maintains a permanent collection of materials relating to the history, development and contribution of radio and television in Iowa.

Archives of Iowa Broadcasting

Finding Aid

WHO Radio Collection

Preface

The purpose of the Archives of Iowa Broadcasting is to establish and maintain a permanent collection of materials relating to the history, development and contribution of radio and television in Iowa.

The Archives is committed to providing access to holdings. However, access to some items may be restricted by their fragile condition or by contractual agreement with the donors. Due to the complexity and variety of audiovisual formats, most items will need to be digitally duplicated or transferred before access can be provided.

 

Introduction

Abstract: WHO began broadcasting from Des Moines in 1924. This collection contains audio and video recordings of broadcasts, entertainment, and advertisements, as well as photographs, scrapbooks, program schedules, log sheets, farm service reports, and other files. Dates range from 1929-2011.

 

Scope and Content Note

Extent: 244 linear feet

Physical Description: Materials include 10” disc 33.3 RPM, 12” disc, 16” disc, 7” disc, 10.5” reel, 5” reel, 7” reel, ¼ reel-to-reel tape, NAB cartridge, cassette, VHS, CD, U-MATIC, 1” videotape, photographs, scrapbooks, and paper materials.

Dates: 1929-2011.

Subjects: Advertising, Broadcasts, Entertainment, Farm, International, News, Politics, Radio Marti, Sports, WWII, Military

Related Material:

  • Des Moines Air Check Collection
  • George Davison Collection
  • Homemaker Newsletter Collection
  • Lee Kline Collection

 

Administrative Information

Restrictions: Some materials in this collection may be restricted under copyright. The Archives provides access to these items for the purpose of research, instruction, and private study under the provisions of Faire Use, outlined in section 107 of copyright law. User assumes all responsibility for obtaining permission for reproduction or use.

Preferred Citation: [item title/description], [date]; WHO Radio Collection; Archives of Iowa Broadcasting, Waverly, Iowa.

Acquisition Information: Donation.

Processing Information: Processing completed by SE and LY on 9/13/19.

 

Station History

History: WHO Radio first aired on April 26, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1930, WHO radio was sold to Dr. Palmer, the owner of WOC. In 1932, WHO was moved to a new site just outside of Des Moines called Mitchellville. Before becoming president of the United States, Ronald Reagan worked at WHO as a sportscaster from 1932-1937. The station is currently owned by iHeartMedia and broadcasts a news/talk radio format. Programming includes broadcast talk shows, news, weather, and sports. 

Bibliography:

Mishkind, Barry. "WHO- Station Tour," The Broadcast Archive, https://www.oldradio.com/archives/stations/ccs/whopix.htm.

"WHO (AM),” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WHO_(AM).

 

Series Description

  1. Broadcast Recordings
    1. General Broadcast Recordings
    2. Advertising Recordings
    3. Entertainment Recordings
    4. Farm Recordings
    5. International Broadcast Recordings
    6. The Kitchen Club Program Recordings
    7. News Broadcast Recordings
    8. Politics Broadcast Recordings
    9. Radio Marti Controversy Recordings
    10. Sports Recordings
    11. World War II Broadcast Recordings
  2. Herb Plambeck Materials
    1. Event Programs
    2. General Files
    3. World Tour Files
    4. World War II Files
  3. Administrative Files
    1. Farm Service Reports
    2. General Files
    3. Control Room Log Sheets
    4. Radio Marti Controversy Files
  4. KLYF Radio Files
  5. Palmer Radio Network Files
  6. Photographs and Scrapbooks
  7. Jim Zabel Materials
  8. Artifacts

Other Finding Aids

None.

 

 

For more information, contact:

Kay Grigsby, MSLIS
Grant Price Endowed Archivist
kay.grigsby@wartburg.edu
(319) 352-8457

 

 

 

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Vogel Library, Wartburg College   |   100 Wartburg Blvd, Waverly, IA, 50677 |   Phone: 319-352-8500   | Email: asklibrarian@wartburg.edu