The Voice
of St. Louis at AM 1120, the subject of this month’s cover story,
first graced the airwaves on December 24, 1925 and was dubbed
as an “X-mas gift to the world.” This month, Dec. 16, the station
is celebrating its 75th anniversary at the Chase Park Plaza.
Bob Costas will be master of ceremonies, Jack Buck will be honored
for marking 50 years of broadcasting in the year 2000, and Karen
Carroll will be there representing the “today” of KMOX—looking
ahead to another 75 years of broadcasting.
KMOX is a vital part of this region and beyond. It can be heard
in 44 of 48 contiguous states. And, it is at the top everywhere,
boasting the greatest audience share among the 40 largest markets
in the U.S. Moreover, KMOX holds the record for consecutive
number one Arbitron ratings books at more than 100 [quarters]
and counting.
The station commands 25 percent of every radio advertising dollar
in the market. A 60-second spot in morning drive time costs
roughly twice as much as the station with the next largest audience.
And that’s not to mention that KMOX’ annual revenue in 2000
will be close to $30 million.
The power of KMOX is matched by credibility, programming and
talent that awes industry observers. St. Louis Commerce Magazine
recognizes KMOX’ great achievements and contribution to the
region over the past 75 years.
At the same time, the RCGA salutes National Baseball Hall of
Fame broadcaster Jack Buck, a name synonymous with KMOX, honoring
him with its Annual Right Arm of St. Louis Award.
Buck is in his 46th year of broadcasting in St. Louis. Since
1954, he has brought the Cardinals to millions of fans throughout
the nation. Perhaps no other single St. Louisan is so readily
recognizable both on the radio and on television as is Jack
Buck. He truly is ‘Mr. St. Louis.’”
Buck has made outstanding contributions to the St. Louis region
in other capacities as well, appearing at various fundraisers
and as campaign chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
And speaking of sports, the story on page 38 features the Family
Arena in St. Charles and how it came to fruition. The state-of-the-art
facility seats approximately 10,000 and hosts concerts by top-name
entertainers, sporting events, family stage productions, motor
sports, equestrian events, rodeos, circuses, ice shows, and
trade shows or conventions.
In other St. Charles news, the story on page 34, introduces
Partners for Progress, a group of 21 leaders who have each pledged
$15,000-a-year for four years to underwrite an effort to guide
the county’s growth and ensure its prosperity for the future.
They intend to address issues, such as housing, transportation,
education and training, and venture capital, as well as the
broader issue of economic development.
And lastly, this issue features a story, p. 66, on venture philanthropy,
which connects the resources, skills and knowledge of business
leaders to nonprofit organizations. An exciting initiative brought
to the RCGA and Community Foundation by successful entrepreneur
John Fort.
Richard C.D. Fleming
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
