WQLN-TV signed on 40 years ago
Erie-Meadville: It was 40 years ago when a new TV station would take to the Erie airwaves. A year after WJET-TV (24) signed on, a new form on TV would sign on with Education as it's mission. WQLN-TV (54) signed on at 6pm on Sunday August 13, 1967. This would add a 4th TV station to the area which included WICU TV 12, WSEE TV 35, WJET & now WQLN. (Just in case you youngsters were wondering, there was no cable in 1967.) You can read about the well written history of WQLN TV & FM 91.3 at http://www.wqln.org. The late Paul Brown (who was WQLN's first employee) kept track of the history & wrote the article. My first memories of WQLN are those I have as a youngster at Waterford Elementary in the 1970's. The kids programs were a lot of fun for a younger "yours truly." I recall programs like "Sesame Street", "The Electric Company", "3-2-1 Contact", "The Letter People" and of course, "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." Who would have thought that I would become a part of the WQLN family back in 1997. It was a move that I am very glad that I made after my future at WXTA "Country 98" was uncertain because of the sale of that station. Please feel free to send us your memories of WQLN.Readers’ Forum
This may sound weird, coming from a Pittsburgh reader, but here go two thoughts:
(1) I recall that WQLN did something with the late economist Milton Friedman. I sort of thought someone might (and perhaps did) revive it after his recent passing.
(2) When Channel 54 signs off, it plays both US and Canadian national anthems and gives the viewer a nice tour of (what I believe is) London, Ont.
May WQLN have many more years of service to three states and one province.
pcloonan (URL) - August 13, 2007 at 08:41 am
Pat – WQLN no longer signs off. I believe they went 24 hours on the TV side in ’98. I’m not clear as to when FM went 24 hours. I know that you are not in the viewing area, but I thought I’d let you know. Take care.
Tom Lavery (URL) - August 13, 2007 at 11:34 am
Thank you, Tom. I hadn’t realized it had been that long since I watched Channel 54 that late at night. Much obliged … and my sentiment remains the same. I hope WQLN continues a needed service on both sides of Lake Erie.
pcloonan (URL) - August 14, 2007 at 10:09 am