Happy birthday WJQZ. The Wellsville radio station celebrates its 32nd birthday today as the history making first commercial FM radio service in Allegany County. However, few knew that a Jacksonville, FL couple nearly stole the dream from Wellsville residents.
The process of creating this radio station began in 1984. It was the brain child of a Wellsville kid and a newspaper guy. It is probably fair to disclose right now that I was that "Wellsville kid."
Days before the Wellsville group application for a construction permit to build the radio station was filed...another application was submitted, from a Jacksonville radio engineer. His name was Herman J. Hogsed. Like a taxi ride, I kept calling the FCC attorney, Harry J. Ockershausen for direction. Weeks later, Herman withdrew his application, immediately followed by an application from his wife, Betty J. Hogsed. In the new application, Betty said she and hubby drove through Wellsville one day and fell in love. BULLSHIT. But still trouble. In the day, the FCC would award points to a female-owned applications. Mr. Ockershausen told me the move was completely legal. Harry said I could "pay him/her off" or sit through a competitive FCC hearing. The cost? Minimum of $150,000. I was 23. So I picked up the telephone and called Herman J. Hogsed (The Wizard). He actually answered and I said "how much to make you go away?" He immediately replied...$35,000 and I won't shed a tear." Federally approved blackmail...go figure!
More weeks passed by, the deal was approved and Wellsville-based Scenic Sounds, Inc. created a radio station.
Further history...the studio's were first to be on Chamberlain Street (the old pet store). The Wellsville kid saw the mess and said, "ahh, nope." Ended on Railroad Avenue. It was an empty field. I had vision, and yes, I made mistakes.
That radio station will continue to survive. It's had two owners since I last walked out. I'll admit...I'm sad that the station moves on and never asks about the past...the history. I wonder if the current owners even know there is an attic? Hint: rear of the building...fourth ceiling tile from the right...lift it up!
I did what I did in the day. The current owners will do what...they will do - few will know. WJQZ...don't forget, please, don't forget...how you got there...
