The WMOK News Check
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The Voice of Massac County: A History of WMOK
Jay Riley interviewing and giving silver dollars to youngest grandmother in the audience, Mrs Lena Ashby during broadcast of WMOK dedication program from Massac Theater – February 4, 1951
On Sunday, February 4, 1951, the airwaves over Metropolis, Illinois, changed forever.
The Victor Borge show had premiered the day before on NBC TV.. Harry Truman was President and Alben Barkley was Vice President…
WMOK Station Wagon – station manager Jim Firman stepping into the frame
The Architects of the Airwaves
The station was the brainchild of the Fort Massac Broadcasting Company, a collective of local leaders and visionaries who believed Metropolis deserved its own voice. This founding group included:
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James H. Firmin & Elva M. Firmin
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Walter H. Firmin
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Noah J. Korte
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William R. Tiner
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Don M. Park
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Eddie Clark
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JB Humma
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SF Chase
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Robert V. Gillespie
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Bernard Lurie
Jim Firmin WMOK General Manager during the warm up Of the first on-air broadcast of WMOK – February 4 1951. The original writing on the back of the photo states that Reverend James T Bryant of Methodist Church and president of Ministerial Association of Massac County is on the left of the stage.
A Community Pillar
From its inception, WMOK was designed to be more than just a radio station; it was a lifeline for the region. Founded by local visionaries, it focused on providing hyper-local content that larger metropolitan stations ignored.
The Modern Era
Ownership passed from the original founders to Gary and Michele Kidd, who steered the station through the 80s and 90s (1982–1997). In 1997, the station was acquired by Withers Broadcasting, its current owner.
Today, WMOK continues to serve the region on both 920 AM and 93.7 FM, bridging the gap between its theater-stage beginnings and the digital age, remaining the definitive “Voice of Massac County.”
Wednesday, February 4
WMOK’s 75th Birthday
Thank Your Mail Carrier Day
Celebrated Every February 4th
5-7pm Trinity Food Pantry at 6th and Metropolis streets is open, specializing in Fresh Produce, with bread/meat/eggs when available. Clothing is available as well
Thursday, February 5
Event by Massac Memorial Hospital
Join us for an upcoming Swing Bed Program Lunch & Learn to discover how short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation can help patients recover close to home.
�Lunch provided
�Learn about eligibility, services & referrals
�Ask questions and connect with our team
� Call to reserve your spot! 618-638-1348
Friday, February 6
Saturday, February 7
10am-2pm – Genealogy at the Metropolis Public Library – Assistant on hand on the 1st Saturday of each month
The Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will take place in the lobby of the main entrance near the gift shop at Massac Memorial Hospital. Both public and Auxiliary members are welcome to attend!
Sunday, February 8
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu - February 2026
WMOK School and Sports News
Winter Storm Fern interrupted the Superman Classic Championship. The revised schedule is included below.
Saturday February 7th
WMOK School and Sports News
Harry Statham Youth Basketball League
Job and Career Listings
Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK Text the information to 618-524-9209
Links to Local Employers:
Massac Memorial Hospital
MMH is hiring! Join a team that puts patients first and supports the health of our community every day. Compassion. Excellence. Local Care. Apply today at www.massachealth.org/careers or by scanning the QR code.
Rural Health, Inc.
Metropolis Big John
Shawnee Community College
City of Metropolis
Southern Seven Health Department
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