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It is fitting that we appreciate that a mere twist of the dial can sweep
us five thousand miles across the sea to hear a war delayed; to hear a king
abdicate and an emperor crowned. With a mere twist of the dial we are taken
to a public forum, to a classroom, to a seat in the front row of the world's
theatre. All these have been the benefits of the progress of radio and of men
with vision.

Seventeen years of broadcasting by the station have passed. Times change
and so do customs. Life beats to an ever-quickening tempo—new ideas supplant
the old, and new viewpoints swing into focus. This Radio Centre is proof
positive that the station has taken cognizance of the changing world and has
demonstrated that it can respond quickly to the public tastes and public needs.
It has endeavored to appraise old and new standards of public behavior and
trends of public thinking, and from such appraisal to sift the chaff from the
wheat.

And I am happy in the knowledge that WFBR has given to Marylanders
of the finest there is to offer in the world of radio enjoyment.

Naturally, in radio, the most of us think of music and the variety pro-
grams. All radio stations share and share alike in this type of radio enter-
tainment. But what I would like to point out is the part played in civic leader-
ship by WFBR.

The station to which we are paying honor tonight has shown itself to be
a pioneer in the broadcasting of civic issues, current events and happenings
vitally affecting the people of this State. Fifteen years ago, when WFBR did
not enjoy such handsome studios as today, a program was begun which
featured talks by the Mayor of Baltimore City. This was a new method of
telling Baltimoreans of the city's activities, of discussing its problems. This
station was then in its embryonic state as a civic leader. It has grown
tremendously since then.

WFBR has upheld the tradition of free speech. It has always seen that
those who were involved in controversial issues were given equal opportunities
to express their views. The station has given opportunity for participation
in public discussions, both political and social, and from all the tumult and
shouting it has emerged unscathed. In saying this, I am referring to the
recent meeting of the Maryland Legislature. WFBR saw to it that both
sides had full opportunities to bring to the citizens of Maryland their views on
pending issues before the Legislature. All of this is characteristic of our
State and its adherence to freedom and tolerance in matters of every nature.

For WFBR, I know the vision of its responsibility to the public has not
dimmed.

And looking forward, I perceive that this station's executives contemplate
the changes that come to all men as the future unfolds. We may be certain
that it will keep in time and tune with the changing years, and that it will
be an instrument through which the democracy of the air will be maintained
and ever expanded to serve the people of this State.

As long as this Station continues to serve Marylanders in the role of
public servant, we know that we have a voice that is fair, impartial, unbiased
—and truthful.

In closing, I wish WFBR happiness and good fortune in their handsome,
new Radio Centre.