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SJ 416

Commending WSVA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Obenshain and 2 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Senate resolution commends WSVA for 90 years of service in the Central Shenandoah Valley, recognizing its history and community impact.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ416ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 416

Summary — SJ416ER (Senate Joint Resolution No. 416)

Overview

SJ416ER is a commemorative Senate Joint Resolution honoring WSVA, a Harrisonburg-based news/talk radio station, on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. The enrolled version (SJ416ER) reflects a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Virginia General Assembly, expressing admiration for WSVA’s long-standing service to the Central Shenandoah Valley. There are no new laws or fiscal provisions attached.

Purpose and Intent

  • To recognize WSVA’s historical significance as a pioneering radio broadcaster in the Shenandoah Valley and its ongoing community role.
  • To commend WSVA for 90 years of high-quality radio programming and community engagement.
  • To provide an official expression of appreciation from the General Assembly to WSVA.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution includes a series of “Whereas” clauses detailing WSVA’s history, including:
    • WSVA’s origins and first broadcast on June 9, 1935 (the station’s early identity as “We Serve Virginia Agriculture”).
    • Its status as the Shenandoah Valley’s first radio station and its connections to the NBC Red Network during the Golden Age of Radio.
    • Milestones such as establishing the Shenandoah Valley’s first FM station (now WQPO) and creating a television station (now WHSV-TV).
    • Adaptation to shifting media landscapes in the 1950s, formats, ownership changes, current operations on 550 AM and 92.1 FM, and a typical weekday lineup.
    • Community impact through local news, agricultural reporting, high school and James Madison University sports coverage, and feature programming.
  • The operative concluding provision states: “That the General Assembly hereby commend WSVA on the occasion of its 90th anniversary of broadcasting high quality radio programming,” and directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy for presentation to WSVA.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: WSVA (and its ownership, including Saga Communications).
  • Beneficiaries: Residents of the Central Shenandoah Valley, through formal recognition of WSVA’s contributions to local news, culture, and community programming.
  • Administrative: The Clerk of the Senate is instructed to prepare a copy of the resolution for WSVA.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025.
  • Engrossed in Senate: February 19, 2025; Agreed to by Senate (voice vote) February 19.
  • House action: Agreed to by the House of Delegates by voice vote on February 20, 2025.
  • Enrolled: March 3, 2025 (SJ416ER), final enrolled form reflecting concurrence by both chambers.
  • Status: Ceremonial/expressive resolution with no new statutory requirements or funding.

Notes

  • WSVA’s branding and historical context are highlighted, including its long-standing branding as “We Serve Virginia Agriculture” and its role in local broadcasting history.
  • The measure is non-binding and purely honorary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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