[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E281]]
             FRANK HARDEN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT WMAL RADIO

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 1998

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, one of the nation's capital area's most 
popular morning radio personalities recently reached a milestone in 
broadcasting at WMAL-AM 630. Frank Harden, now co-host of the ``Harden, 
Brant and Parks'' morning show, celebrated his 40th anniversary with 
WMAL on December 24, 1997.
  In announcing that momentous occasion, WMAL also said that Frank 
Harden has renewed his contract for another three years and will 
continue to be heard on WMAL on a limited basis while spending some 
well-deserved leisure time at his homes in Sweden and Maryland. That's 
good news for the thousands of listeners, including presidents and 
members of Congress, who have spent their mornings with Frank Harden 
for several decades.
  Many will recall the morning team of Frank Harden and Jackson Weaver. 
In 1959, Frank Harden auditioned with his late partner Jackson Weaver 
for the WMAL-AM morning team position. They won the affections of 
management and more importantly, Washington area listeners, and what 
began as a 13-week trial contract became the longest running two-man 
program in the history of radio.
  I had the pleasure of working with Harden and Weaver in the early 
1980's, soon after I came to Congress. Faced with the closure of the 
popular Turkey Run Farm Park in the 10th Congressional District of 
Virginia because of budget cutbacks, people in the district mobilized 
to save Turkey Run. We went on the air with Harden and Weaver, who 
helped spur the community on with their daily reports on the importance 
of the park to school children in the area. And when Harden and Weaver 
spoke, folks listened. Needless to say, Turkey Run Farm was saved and 
remains open today.
  After the passing of Jackson Weaver in 1992, Harden was paired with 
sportscaster Tim Brant, and later former airborne reporter Andy Parks. 
The Harden, Brant and Parks brand of friendly humor, helpful 
information and wit has been waking up Northern Virginia, District of 
Columbia and Maryland listeners for over five years now.
  Frank Harden, a native of Macon, Georgia, began his radio career at 
WSAV in Savannah. Prior to joining WMAL's staff on December 24, 1947, 
Harden worked in Atlanta and Denver, and as an announcer for network 
radio shows including ``The Lone Ranger'' and ``The Edward P. Morgan 
Show.''
  During his years with WMAL, Frank Harden has received awards such as 
the March of Dimes A.I.R. Lifetime Achievement Award, performed 
community involvement that is without equal, raised millions of dollars 
for Children's Hospital, made thousands upon thousands of announcements 
and personal appearances for community, civic, and church events, and 
sent many thoughtful, personal wishes to his faithful listeners. The 
``Harden and Weaver'' program enjoyed ratings successes like no other 
morning drive-time show, and ``Harden, Brant and Parks'' consistently 
ranks near the top among morning listeners.
  Said WMAL President and General Manager Tom Bresnahan, upon the 
occasion of Frank Harden's 50th anniversary at the station, ``We're 
thrilled to have Frank as part of the WMAL family. He's a class act!''
  Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Frank Harden is a class act. We offer our 
congratulations to him with our best wishes and hope that we will 
continue to hear his voice gracing the Washington airwaves for many 
more years to come.

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