Senate Resolution 43

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MUSIC AND BUSINESS SUCCESS OF RADIO STATION WGNL IN GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI, AND ITS CEO RUBEN C. HUGHES.

WHEREAS, WGNL Radio was introduced in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1988 with Rhythm and Blues programming on the 104.3 frequency at 3,000 watts; and

WHEREAS, WGNL is owned and operated by TEAM BROADCASTING with Ruben C. Hughes as its CEO. Mr. Hughes' dream was to make a difference among the African-American community. In his journey, he embarked upon several areas throughout Alabama and Mississippi, but thought that Greenwood, Mississippi had a special touch among its people and decided to create a treasure of music for not only African-Americans in the South, but to others who enjoy musical entertainment; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hughes is no stranger to the world of radio and entertainment. He has a career in radio spanning over four decades. This Forest, Mississippi native started his radio career while still in high school at the age of 16 at Station WMAG AM in Forest, Mississippi, with a rhythm and blues program; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from E.T. Hawkins High School in Forest, Mississippi, he attended Tennessee State University majoring in political science with a minor in speech. Mr. Hughes began his full-time career at WQIC in Meridian, Mississippi doing Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll and Gospel programming. In 1964, he joined the staff of WMOZ in Mobile, Alabama and was soon promoted to Program Director, after which he served a brief sting at WMOO in Mobile, Alabama and then WMPP in Chicago, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, in 1990, WGNL went to 25,000 watts to better serve its Delta core, giving listeners all over the Delta the exciting programming they so richly deserve. Then in 1994, WGNL reached its power plateau with 50,000 watts serving all of the Delta and North Mississippi and even penetrating Central Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, now WGNL is a force to be reckoned with, serving the Delta with the best in R&B Hits and Oldies and all day blues on Saturday and Sunday morning gospel. WGNL also carries the Touch Programming from ABC, which is Urban A/C and has added another member to the TEAM Broadcasting Family, and it is called WGNG, a 25,000 watt giant, and it is hot urban and caters to a younger demographic, it is "Hot 106.3"; and

WHEREAS, through determination and dedication, Mr. Hughes has made WGNL an icon by becoming one of the first black-owned stations in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hughes has been married for 42 years to his lovely wife, Mrs. Maxine Hughes, and they have four children; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the history and determination of this radio station, which represents the Mississippi Delta, and brings pride to its community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the music and business achievements of Radio Station WGNL in Greenwood, Mississippi, and its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ruben C. Hughes, and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Radio Station WGNL and Mr. Hughes, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.