?Archie Newton was a pioneering figure in Jamestown, New York's early radio history. Born in 1895, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army's Radio Corps during World War I. After the war, he returned to Jamestown and became an electrician and amateur radio enthusiast. In 1924, Newton applied for a temporary license to operate a radio station, leading to the establishment of Jamestown's first radio station. His inaugural broadcast took place on December 31, 1924, during the grand opening of the Hotel Jamestown .? Newton's early broadcasts were community-focused, featuring local news, church services, live music, and town events, helping to knit the Jamestown community together during the early days of radio. Over time, the station grew into a staple of local broadcasting, with a reputation for being a "voice of the community."? National Archives Archie Newton passed away in 1961 at the age of 65 in Jamestown .? His legacy lives on through WJTN, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, continuing to serve the Jamestown community with local news and programming

?Archie Newton was a pioneering figure in Jamestown, New York's early radio history. Born in 1895, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army's Radio Corps during World War I. After the war, he returned to Jamestown and became an electrician and amateur radio enthusiast. In 1924, Newton applied for a temporary license to operate a radio station, leading to the establishment of Jamestown's first radio station. His inaugural broadcast took place on December 31, 1924, during the grand opening of the Hotel Jamestown .? Newton's early broadcasts were community-focused, featuring local news, church services, live music, and town events, helping to knit the Jamestown community together during the early days of radio. Over time, the station grew into a staple of local broadcasting, with a reputation for being a "voice of the community."? National Archives Archie Newton passed away in 1961 at the age of 65 in Jamestown .? His legacy lives on through WJTN, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, continuing to serve the Jamestown community with local news and programming

?Jim Roselle was a legendary radio broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with both Jamestown, New York, and the Chautauqua Institution. Beginning in 1974, Roselle brought WJTN's broadcasts to Chautauqua Institution each summer, a tradition that lasted over four decades. From his studio in Bestor Plaza, he conducted thousands of interviews with notable figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Lucille Ball, Tim Russert, David McCullough, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Amy Tan. ? Roselle's interview style was characterized by thorough research and genuine curiosity, making his conversations insightful and engaging. He described his approach as "on-air conversation" rather than standard interviews, aiming to connect with his guests on a personal level. ? In 2014, Roselle co-authored his memoir, The Best Times of My Life, with Walt Pickut, chronicling his six decades in broadcasting and his experiences at Chautauqua Institution. That same year, Chautauqua Institution honored him with "Jim Roselle Day," celebrating his contributions to the community. ? Roselle's legacy was further recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He continued to be an active presence on WJTN until his passing in 2016 at the age of 89

Paul Harvey was one of the most famous and influential American radio broadcasters ever. His style was incredibly unique — he delivered news, commentary, and human-interest stories in a warm, dramatic, almost theatrical voice that millions of people grew up listening to. Here’s the short version: Career start: Paul Harvey Aurandt (his full name) got his start in radio while he was still in high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1930s. National fame: By the 1950s, he had a national audience with his show "News and Comment," which blended headlines with his personal opinions. His pauses, inflections, and catchphrases — especially "Stand by for news!" — became iconic. The Rest of the Story: He launched "The Rest of the Story" in 1976, which told little-known facts or twists behind famous events or people, only revealing the subject at the end. That segment became massively popular on its own. Massive reach: At his peak, he reached more than 24 million listeners every week on over 1,200 radio stations, plus 400 Armed Forces Network stations worldwide. His style: Harvey often mixed a kind of old-fashioned optimism with conservative commentary, storytelling, and folksy humor. Famous sign-off: He would always end his broadcasts with: "Paul Harvey... Good day!" Paul Harvey stayed on the air for decades, and even after his death in 2009, his influence on radio storytelling is still felt today. His pacing and style were totally different from the rapid-fire, high-energy news styles that became popular later.

ABC News Radio, established on January 1, 1968, is the largest commercial radio news organization in the United States, providing hourly newscasts and news briefs to its affiliates nationwide. WJTN, with its longstanding commitment to delivering news and information to the Jamestown community, likely aligned with ABC News Radio to supplement its local coverage with national and international news

Si Goldman was a pivotal figure in Jamestown, New York's broadcasting history, serving as the longtime owner and president of WJTN radio. His leadership transformed WJTN into a cornerstone of the community, renowned for its local programming, editorial content, and civic engagement. Goldman's association with WJTN began in the mid-20th century. Under his stewardship, the station became known for its thoughtful editorials, many of which he personally voiced. Si Goldman's contributions to broadcasting and community service left an indelible mark on Jamestown and beyond. His dedication to quality programming, talent development, and civic involvement set a standard for local radio stations. Goldman's legacy continues to influence the region's media landscape, reflecting his enduring commitment to excellence in broadcasting.

WJTN 100th #7-Bill Bigelow

?The WJTN Saturday Breakfast Party is a cherished tradition in Jamestown, New York, reflecting the city's strong sense of community and its rich radio history.? The program has been a staple of WJTN's weekend lineup for decades, offering a blend of live music, local interviews, and community announcements. In the early 2000s, the show found a home at Friendly's Restaurant in Brooklyn Square, where it was broadcast live every Saturday morning for 17 years. This setting provided a welcoming space for residents to gather, enjoy breakfast, and participate in the live broadcast. ? The Saturday Breakfast Party has played a significant role in fostering community engagement in Jamestown. Listeners fondly recall past broadcasts and the sense of togetherness the show cultivated. Dennis Webster, a longtime host, has been instrumental in maintaining the show's popularity and connection with the audience.

Don McNeill's Breakfast Club was a pioneering morning variety show that aired from 1933 to 1968, primarily on the NBC Blue Network (later known as ABC). Originating from Chicago, the program featured a blend of music, comedy, audience participation, and segments like the "March Around the Breakfast Table" and "Moment of Silent Prayer." It became one of the most beloved shows in American radio history, attracting millions of listeners daily. ? In the early 1940s, the Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York, brought the Breakfast Club experience to the local community by sponsoring a live event featuring Don McNeill. In 1942–43, they organized a special broadcast at a local stadium, drawing an audience of 6,000 people and generating a profit of 2,500. This event marked a significant moment in Jamestown's radio history, showcasing the show's national popularity and its impact on local communities.

?WJTN, a historic radio station in Jamestown, New York, expanded its reach to FM in 2018. On January 15, 2018, Media One Radio Group announced plans to acquire an FM translator at 101.3 MHz to simulcast WJTN's programming. The translator began broadcasting in May 2018, allowing WJTN to reach a broader audience with its gold-based adult contemporary music format, local news, and sports coverage .? This move marked a significant milestone in WJTN's evolution, enhancing its accessibility and continuing its legacy as one of the oldest radio stations in the United States, having signed on in 1924

WJTN celebrated the launch of its FM translator at 101.3 MHz with a special event at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, New York, on the evening of Thursday, May 24, 2018. The event took place at 5:00 PM in the mall's Center Court, marking a significant milestone for the station. The FM translator allowed WJTN to simulcast its programming, including news, sports, and lite-rock music, providing listeners with enhanced sound quality and broader coverage throughout southern Chautauqua County .? During the launch party, local listener Rolly Austin, a longtime fan of WJTN, was selected to press the button that officially activated the new FM signal. This moment was a highlight of the celebration, symbolizing the station's commitment to serving its community and evolving with the times .? The addition of the FM translator was part of Media One Radio Group's efforts to expand WJTN's reach and improve the listening experience for its audience. The station's heritage programming continues to be available on both 1240 AM and 101.3 FM frequencies, ensuring that listeners can enjoy their favorite local content with enhanced clarity and coverage.