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Broadcast in the late 1950s

      Radio broadcasting has come a long way from being the only source of news to currently being a main source of music entertainment. Along with this, womens' once minor roles in radio have evolved to higher positions. Throughout the United States' early radio history, women were not represented in broadcasting roles unless they were hosting a daytime home service program. In 1922, these popular radio shows for women were about how to be a good hostess, raising children, and health advice. (1) Another nationally broadcast show was Housekeeper’s Chats with “Aunt Sammy” (Uncle Sam’s wife). This program was about cooking tips and household advice. For serious news radio broadcasting it was unheard of to have a woman hosting until Fran Harris, who was the first woman ever in the United States to broadcast news on January 4th, 1943 on Detroit’s radio station WWJ. (2) 

      Despite the fact that Concordia has long been known for its music program, there was no way for Concordia students to broadcast their own show until 1957 when the first student-operated radio station (KOBB) was born. (3) To get the project up and running Concordia students requested and received $250 from the Student Senate. (4) During the beginning of KOBB radio, they broadcasted Concordia’s music, weather, news, and play-by-plays of some sporting events. The KOBB executive staff was primarily run by the male station managers while womens' leadership roles were as secretaries. Currently, females make up the majority of the KORD radio executive team.