[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E281] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E281]] FRANK HARDEN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT WMAL RADIO ______ 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. ____________________